CCA: A high resolution, high sensitivity, three-dimensional imaging system for nuclear science

A new nuclear medicine imaging system using cylindrically-shaped coded apertures (CCA) and computerized image reconstruction is described. The system's salient features are: (1) full three-dimensional image, (2) very large geometric acceptance, (3) 0.1 mm resolution independent of depth for reasonable design parameters, (4) all photons, scattered as well as unscattered, are used, (5) energy discrimination, although useful, is not needed, (6) gamma rays of any energy can be utilized, and (7) absolute amounts of activity can be determined very accurately. Results of extensive computer studied on design parameters, image quality, and system sensitivity are presented. (Auth.)