An experimental feasibility study of a 4π gamma-ray imager using detector response patterns

We constructed a gamma-ray imager that estimates the distribution of gamma-ray sources based on the response patterns of multiple gamma-ray detectors randomly positioned in three-dimensional space. The Coded Cube Camera for Gamma-ray (C3G), comprising eight Gd 3 Al 2 Ga 3 O 12 (Ce) scintillator and eighteen lead cubes is housed in a cubical casing with an 86 mm edge length and weighs approximately 600 g. The results of the 4 π imaging experiment confirmed the feasibility of imaging a 10 MBq 137 Cs source 3 m away for a 10 min measurement. C3G operates with only eight channels, instead of the hundreds needed by a typical imager. This setup allows for a simplified circuit and reconstruction algorithm, resulting in a cost-effective and reliable system. With its compact and lightweight design and 4 π field of view, this technology is expected to find extensive applications in astronomy, medicine, nuclear security, and decommissioning projects.