Performance evaluation of novel SiPM for medical imaging applications

Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) detectors are investigated world-wide as a suitable replacement for the conventional vacuum based PhotoMultiplier Tube (PMT) and are enabling applications otherwise not possible with PMT detectors. Progress in recent years has been substantial with SiPM detectors pushing the boundaries in energy and time resolution as well as photon detection efficiency and active surface area. In this paper we report on the performance of a gamma detector comprising latest generation SiPM detectors from SensL coupled to novel Cerium doped Gd₃Al₂Ga₃O₁₂ (GAGG) scintillators from Furukawa, Japan. Both 3mm×3mm N-on-P and P-on-N SiPM detectors have been optically coupled to 3mm×3mm×30mm crystals. An energy resolution (662 keV Cs-137) of 9.4% has been measured for GAGG crystal coupled to a 3mm×3mm N-on-P SiPM detector.