Improving PET imaging with advanced photon detectors
Official title: Scintillation Photon Counting Detectors for 100 ps Time-of-Flight PET Imaging
Funded at University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab · NIH-10897942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on making PET scans even better by using new technology that helps doctors see cancer and other issues more clearly, so patients can get more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $755,960 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB033402-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897942 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing PET scans for cancer diagnosis or monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require PET imaging or those with conditions that do not involve metabolic activity detectable by PET may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing positron emission tomography (PET) imaging by developing advanced scintillation photon counting detectors that can achieve extremely precise timing. By improving the coincidence time resolution, the project aims to significantly increase the sensitivity and quality of PET scans, allowing for better localization of cancerous lesions and other abnormalities. Patients can expect more accurate imaging results, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment planning. The methodology involves innovative detector designs that enhance the signal-to-noise ratio in imaging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and sensitive PET imaging, improving cancer detection and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research in advanced imaging technologies has shown promising results, indicating that enhancing detector capabilities can lead to significant improvements in imaging quality.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cates, Joshua William — University of Calif-Lawrenc Berkeley Lab
- Study coordinator: Cates, Joshua William
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.