3D Millimeter Event Localization in Bulk Scintillator Crystals

One of the primary goals of scintillator-based gamma-ray detector development is to obtain spatial resolutions in bulk crystals at the millimeter level in all three spatial dimensions. An even more challenging goal is to disentangle multiple simultaneous energy depositions with comparable spatial resolutions. We are exploring a new technique to achieve this level of performance through the use of close-coupled, coded-aperture shadow masks placed between the crystal and a position-sensitive phototransducer. We report on simulations of such a device using Monte Carlo light transport simulations performed with GEANT4. Initial indications are promising; however, the technique will require a very high level of performance from the phototransducer.