A prototype PET detector module using micro-channel plate photomultiplier tube with waveform sampling

We are developing a prototype PET detector module as an effort to demonstrate and investigate the feasibility of using large area flat panel (e.g. 8"×8") micro-channel plate photo-multiplier (MCP PMT) for PET instrumentation. The detector module consists of an array of LSO (or LYSO) crystals coupled to a commercially available MCP PMT (Photonis XP85022) with transmission-line strips and read-out by a waveform sampling electronics employing the DRS4 chips at the end of the strips. The details of building and testing of the prototype PET detector module is presented and the benefits of using waveform sampling in PET application also will be discussed.