Digital timing with non-stationary noise optimal filter algorithm for LSO/APD detectors

Optimizing the timing performance of LSO/APD detectors is especially important for high count-rate PET applications where random coincidences are a problem. In our previous published work [1], we have shown that the noise in LSO/PMT detectors is not stationary and a timing algorithm for non-stationary noise has been derived using the least square method. In this work we report about the coincidence timing of an LSO/APD detector using the timing algorithm for non- stationary noise. From the digital pulse processing using the non- stationery noise optimal filter algorithm we obtained a FWHM of 775 plusmn 15 ps, which is 110 ps better than the result from a similar analog set-up (895 ps).