SyMPET: a compact chip to improve high-resolution PET scans
Design and Development of SyMPET: System on chip Modular readout for high-resolution TOF-PET
Building a tiny new electronics chip to make PET scan images clearer and possibly reduce radiation for people who need PET imaging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nalu Scientific, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182704 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project designs a low-power, high-channel-density readout microchip that captures the full waveform from PET sensors to improve image timing, energy accuracy, and depth information. The team uses computer models of light in scintillating crystals and realistic simulations of sensors and electronics to set chip specifications. They apply machine learning to extract better timing and energy measurements from the waveforms and will complete chip design and prototyping. Later steps aim to integrate the chip into PET systems for testing and validation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who undergo PET scans—for example for cancer, neurological, or cardiac imaging—would be the primary eventual beneficiaries.
Not a fit: Patients who do not receive PET imaging or whose condition is best monitored by other methods (like standard X‑ray or MRI) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the chip could produce clearer PET images, help detect disease earlier, and allow lower radiation doses or more personalized imaging strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Research and prototype systems using silicon photomultipliers and advanced readout electronics, sometimes combined with machine learning, have shown improved PET timing and resolution, but clinical adoption is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
Honolulu, United States
- Nalu Scientific, LLC — Honolulu, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macchiarulo, Luca — Nalu Scientific, LLC
- Study coordinator: Macchiarulo, Luca
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 below.