Perspectives on Direct Positron Emission Imaging

Abstract

Positron emission tomography （PET） is one of the most indispensable imaging modalities in nuclear medicine. We have already proved the possibility of obtaining the world first two-dimensional direct positron emission imaging （dPEI） without performing image reconstruction processes using ultrafast PET detectors with a coincidence time reso lution of 30 ps full width at half maximum. dPEI will provide several benefits such as, possibility of real time imaging, a more compact system and a higher signal-to-noise ratio than current PET systems. However, there are a number of limitations to make the dPEI more practical. In this paper, we start with a principle of dPEI, then introduce perspectives on the dPEI from a technological viewpoint.