Evaluation of Coincidence Time Resolution in a liquid xenon detector with silicon photomultipliers

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a liquid xenon PET detector with silicon photomultipliers achieving a coincidence time resolution of 281 ps, showing promise for improved TOF-PET imaging.

Contribution

First prototype combining liquid xenon and silicon photomultipliers optimized for light collection and timing, achieving competitive time resolution in PET.

Findings

Achieved 281 ps FWHM coincidence time resolution

Demonstrated liquid xenon as a viable PET scintillator

Optimized sensor configuration for minimal timing fluctuations

Abstract

This work explores the combination of liquid xenon as a scintillating medium and silicon photomultipliers as a readout in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for enhanced Time-Of-Flight resolution. We present the results of our first prototype optimized to maximize light collection using high-PDE, VUV-sensitive sensors and to minimize time fluctuations. We report a coincidence time resolution of 281 $\pm$ 2 ps FWHM, obtained using a $^{22}$Na calibration source. This result is competitive with the current state-of-the-art PET scanners and represents a significant step forward in the development of liquid xenon as a viable alternative to conventional scintillators in PET technology.