PETRRA: preliminary experimental results from the first full size detector and dead time simulation of the count rate performance of a unique whole body PET camera

The design and construction of the first of two BaF/sub 2/-TMAE large area detectors to be incorporated in a unique double headed whole body PET system (PETRRA) has been completed. Preliminary experimental work carried out with the first large area detector shows an absolute detection efficiency of 20.5% and a time resolution of 3.5 ns (FWHM) and 8.0 ns (FWTM), using 8 mm thick scintillation crystals. An analytical model of the electronic read-out system has been developed to investigate the rate capability of the new scanner. This model predicts that under typical imaging conditions, with 40 MBq of activity in the field of view, the proposed scanner will acquire coincidence data at 20-25 kcps.>