Comparison between a germanium orthogonal strip detector and an Anger camera through a simulation and modeling study

Progress in detector technology has led to the development of a new generation of pixel-based imaging devices as potential competitors for Anger-type scintillation cameras. We modeled a 11-mm-thick germanium orthogonal strip detector (GOSD) with 2-mm pitch and compared its performance to an Anger camera with a 10-mm-thick NaI(Tl) crystal. The Anger camera simulation method was validated by experimental mea- surements made with point and volume sources. Resolution and sensitivity were determined for air and scatter measurements. The device is intended for use in breast tumor imaging, and its expected performance was simulated in response to 5-, 7.5-, and 10-mm spherical tumors embedded in a previously reported phantom geometry used for the simulation of a CsI pixellated detector. Thorax, breast, and heart background contributions are considered in this phantom. A comparison of the results obtained indicates that the GOSD provides superior contrast than the Anger camera for every tumor to collimator distance and for every tumor dimension. Also, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), full-width at half-maximum (FWHM), and full-width at tenth maximum (FWTM) show a better response for the germanium pixellated detector with respect to Anger camera due to better energy and spatial resolution of the germanium-based device.