A novel PET detector block with three-dimensional hit position encoding

A three-dimensional position encoding PET detector block that employs a monolithic scintillator is investigated in simulation. The block consists of an unsegmented scintillator crystal that is coupled on up to six sides by non-position-sensitive photosensors. In some incarnations envisioned, position sensitivity could be employed. The hit position is encoded via the relative signals on the photosensors. Results of simulations of a monolithic block read out on three, four, and five sides by single channel photosensors are described.