We investigate fast silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)-based scintillation detectors for X-ray photon-counting applications, e.g., photon-counting computed tomography (CT). Such detectors may be an alternative to CdTe/CdZnTe (CZT) and Si detectors, which face challenges related to availability and cost-effective growth of detector-grade material, and detection efficiency, respectively. Here, we experimentally study energy response and count rate performance of a 1 mm × 1 mm single-pixel detector consisting of the readily available LaBr3:Ce scintillator and an ultrafast SiPM. We used three radio-isotopes and an X-ray tube for the experiments. Raw detector signals were processed by a second-order low-pass filter with a cut-off frequency f_c equal to 25 MHz or 100 MHz. The detector pulse height was shown to be proportional to photon energy. We measured FWHM energy resolutions of 19.5% (f_c=25 MHz) and 21.5% (f_c=100 MHz) at 60 keV. The measured X-ray tube spectra showed signs of the expected features of such spectra. The best count rate performance was achieved using f_c=100 MHz. In case of paralyzable-like counting and a 30 keV counting threshold, the maximum observed count rate (OCR) was 10.5 Mcps/pixel. For nonparalyzable-like counting and the same threshold, the OCR appeared to approach an asymptotic value greater than 20 Mcps/pixel. These numbers are close to those of CdTe/CZT detectors highly optimized for photon-counting CT. In conclusion, we show promising spectral X-ray photon-counting performance of an LaBr3:Ce scintillation detector with SiPM readout. Depending on the application-specific requirements, miniaturization of the pixel size may be necessary, for which we discuss potential dose-efficient implementations.

We investigate X-ray photon-counting scintillation detectors with silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) readout. These circumvent some drawbacks of direct-conversion detectors. We measured observed count rate (OCR) versus X-ray tube current for single-pixel detectors consisting of LYSO:Ce and YAP:Ce scintillators coupled to ultrafast SiPMs. For a 30 keV threshold, the maximum OCRs equal 4.5 Mcps/pixel (LYSO:Ce) and 5.5 Mcps/pixel (YAP:Ce) for paralyzable-like counting and 10 Mcps/pixel (LYSO:Ce) and 12.5 Mcps/pixel (YAP:Ce) for nonparalyzable-like counting. We estimate that the twice as fast LaBr3:Ce scintillator yields OCRs approaching those of CdTe/CZT-based photon-counting CT detectors. We also show energy response data and discuss dose-efficient pixel miniaturization.

Purpose: The implementation of photon-counting detectors is widely expected to be the next breakthrough in X-ray computed tomography (CT) instrumentation. A small number of prototype scanners equipped with direct-conversion detectors based on room-temperature semiconductors, such as CdTe and CdZnTe (CZT), are currently installed at medical centers. Here, we investigate the feasibility of using silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)-based scintillation detectors in photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) scanners, as a potential alternative to CdTe and CZT detectors. Methods: We introduce a model that allows us to compute the expected energy resolution as well as the expected pulse shape and associated rate capability of SiPM-based PCCT detectors. The model takes into account SiPM saturation and optical crosstalk, because these phenomena may substantially affect the performance of SiPM-based PCCT detectors with sub-mm pixels. We present model validation experiments using a single-pixel detector consisting of a 0.9 × 0.9 × 1.0 mm³ LuAP:Ce scintillation crystal coupled to a 1 × 1 mm² SiPM. We subsequently use the validated model to compute the expected performance of the fast scintillators LYSO:Ce, LuAP:Ce, and LaBr₃:Ce, coupled to currently available SiPMs, as well as to a more advanced SiPM prototype with improved dynamic range, for sub-mm pixel sizes. Results: The model was found to be in good agreement with the validation experiments, both with respect to energy resolution and pulse shape. It shows how saturation progressively degrades the energy resolution of detectors equipped with currently available SiPMs as the pixel size decreases. Moreover, the expected pulse duration is relatively long (~200 ns) with these SiPMs. However, when LuAP:Ce and LaBr₃:Ce are coupled to the more advanced SiPM prototype, the pulse duration improves to less than 60 ns, which is in the same order of magnitude as pulses from CdTe and CZT detectors. It follows that sufficient rate capability can be achieved with pixel sizes of 400 μm or smaller. Moreover, LaBr₃:Ce detectors can provide an energy resolution of 11.5%-13.5% at 60 keV, comparable to CdTe and CZT detectors. Conclusions: This work provides first evidence that it may be feasible to develop SiPM-based scintillation detectors for PCCT that can compete with CdTe and CZT detectors in terms of energy resolution and rate capability.