Achievable Resolution for Scalable Waveform Digitizing PET Readout and Comparison with Ideal TDC-based Readout with an Application of DNN to Optimal Estimation Including DOI.

Time Of Flight PET (TOF-PET) is a transformative technology for PET systems, but reaping its fullest potential requires achieving very high spatial and timing resolution, and overcoming dependency on signal variability at the level of the individual pixels. In this study, we try to quantify the advantage of using custom waveform sampling devices versus TDC methodology using realistic estimates of noise and other non-idealities. With the use of DNN methodology we show achievable gain for current and future acquisition systems, and also demonstrate the feasibility of DOI estimation from single side readout. We conclude by arguing for the scalability of such a system based on our experience with compact waveform digitizer design.