Abstract: A multichannel application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for interfacing with an array of photodetectors in a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system includes a front end circuit configured to be coupled to the photodetectors and to receive discrete analog signals therefrom. The ASIC further includes a time discriminating circuit operably coupled to the front end circuit and configured to generate a hit signal based on a combination of the discrete analog signals, and an energy discriminating circuit operably coupled to the front end circuit and configured to generate a summed energy output signal based on each of the discrete analog signals and summed row and column output signals based on each of the discrete analog signals. The summed energy output signal represents an energy level of the detected radiation in the array of photodetectors, and the summed row and column output signals represent a location of the detected radiation.

Abstract: A compensating current is applied at one or more points in a signal processing path to compensate for one or both of a dark or offset current present in an input signal. In certain implementations, the dark or offset current is present in a signal generated by a photomultiplier device. The dark or offset current may be monitored in an output of the signal processing path and, the monitoring being used to determine how much compensation is needed in the signal processing path and to allocate where in the signal processing path the compensation current will be applied.

Abstract: A compensating current is applied at one or more points in a signal processing path to compensate for one or both of a dark or offset current present in an input signal. In certain implementations, the dark or offset current is present in a signal generated by a photomultiplier device. The dark or offset current may be monitored in an output of the signal processing path and, the monitoring being used to determine how much compensation is needed in the signal processing path and to allocate where in the signal processing path the compensation current will be applied.

Abstract: Methods and systems for signal communication in gamma ray detectors are provided. One gamma ray detector includes a scintillator block having a plurality of scintillator crystals and a plurality of light sensors coupled to the scintillator crystals and having a plurality of microcells. Each of the plurality of light sensors has a first set of signal traces connected to the microcells and a second set of signal traces connected along the first set of signal traces and together forming a signal path to a summing signal trace. Each of the plurality of light sensors also has a pin-out connected to the summing signal trace.

Abstract: A method for gain calibration of a gamma ray detector includes measuring signals generated by one or more light sensors of a gamma ray detector, generating one or more derived curves using the measured signals as a function of bias voltage and identifying a transition point in the one or more derived curves. The method also includes determining a breakdown voltage of the one or more light sensors using the identified transition point and setting a bias of the one or more light sensors based on the determined breakdown voltage.

Abstract: A multichannel application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for interfacing with an array of photodetectors in a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system includes a front end circuit configured to be coupled to the photodetectors and to receive discrete analog signals therefrom. The ASIC further includes a time discriminating circuit operably coupled to the front end circuit and configured to generate a hit signal based on a combination of the discrete analog signals, and an energy discriminating circuit operably coupled to the front end circuit and configured to generate a summed energy output signal based on each of the discrete analog signals and summed row and column output signals based on each of the discrete analog signals. The summed energy output signal represents an energy level of the detected radiation in the array of photodetectors, and the summed row and column output signals represent a location of the detected radiation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for signal communication in gamma ray detectors are provided. One gamma ray detector includes a scintillator block having a plurality of scintillator crystals and a plurality of light sensors coupled to the scintillator crystals and having a plurality of microcells. Each of the plurality of light sensors has a first set of signal traces connected to the microcells and a second set of signal traces connected along the first set of signal traces and together forming a signal path to a summing signal trace. Each of the plurality of light sensors also has a pin-out connected to the summing signal trace.

Abstract: Methods and systems for gain calibration of a gamma ray detector are provided. One method includes measuring signals generated by one or more light sensors of a gamma ray detector, generating one or more derived curves using the measured signals as a function of bias voltage and identifying a transition point in the one or more derived curves. The method also includes determining a breakdown voltage of the one or more light sensors using the identified transition point and setting a bias of the one or more light sensors based on the determined breakdown voltage.

Abstract: A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) detector assembly includes a cold plate having a first side and an opposite second side, the cold plate being fabricated from a thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive material, a plurality of PET detector units coupled to the first side of the cold plate, and a readout electronics section coupled to the second side of the cold plate. A radio frequency (RF) body coil assembly and a dual-modality imaging system are also described herein.