First evaluation results of PESIC, an integrated front-end for PET applications

PESIC is an integrated front-end designed for position sensitive photomultiplier based detectors. Its architecture allows to improve information obtained from the detector. First of all, its preamplying stage introduces two main benefits: digitally programmable gain adjustment for every photomultiplier output, and isolation from front-end electronics by means of current buffers. This last feature allows using different types of photomultipliers such as SiPM and optimizes front-end deadtime, reducing impact position dependent output delay. PESIC includes an indirect measurement of the depth of interaction of the gamma ray inside the scintillator crystal, based on the width of its light distribution. Test measurements have been carried out in an experimental dual detector PET setup in order to quantify intrinsic front-end characteristics and overall detector system improvements. PESIC has also been tested with a position sensitive SiPM device which showed an excellent spatial resolution.