A prototype of SiPM-based scintillator Compton camera with capacitive multiplexing readout

Compton camera is capable of visualizing the distribution of radioactivity based on the Compton scattering kinematics, and can be applied in nuclear accident emergency response, radioactivity decontamination, homeland security and etc. A prototype of Compton camera has been constructed consisting of two 4x4 SiPM-Ce: GAGG scintillator arrays. The signals of a SiPM array were converted into 4 position-weighted outputs with capacitive network circuit and collected by a CAEN digitizer. Two-dimensional flood images and energy responses of two detector modules were obtained. The average energy resolution of single elements of the two detector modules was 6.6% FWHM at 662 keV. Imaging performance of the prototype camera was evaluated with a Cs-137 point source and a Na-22 point source. Efficiency of the prototype for the Cs-137 point source located right in front was measured to be 0.09%. The angular resolution of a Cs-137 point source placed right in front of the camera was 7.2 degrees FWHM. Isotopic images of the two gamma-ray sources were obtained with spatial resolutions of 8.2 degrees FWHM for Cs-137 and 8.8 degrees FWHM for Na-22.

Automated summary

Compton camera is capable of visualizing the distribution of radioactivity based on Compton scattering kinematics and has potential applications in nuclear accident emergency response, radioactivity decontamination, homeland security, etc. A prototype Compton camera with SiPM-Ce:GAGG scintillator arrays was constructed, achieving an average energy resolution of 6.6% FWHM at 662 keV and 0.09% efficiency for Cs-137 point source.