“Stereo Compton cameras” for the 3-D localization of radioisotopes

The Compton camera is a viable and convenient tool used to visualize the distribution of radioactive isotopes that emit gamma rays. After the nuclear disaster in Fukushima in 2011, there is a particularly urgent need to develop “gamma cameras”, which can visualize the distribution of such radioisotopes. In response, we propose a portable Compton camera, which comprises 3-D position-sensitive GAGG scintillators coupled with thin monolithic MPPC arrays. The pulse-height ratio of two MPPC-arrays allocated at both ends of the scintillator block determines the depth of interaction (DOI), which dramatically improves the position resolution of the scintillation detectors. We report on the detailed optimization of the detector design, based on Geant4 simulation. The results indicate that detection efficiency reaches up to 0.54%, or more than 10 times that of other cameras being tested in Fukushima, along with a moderate angular resolution of 8.1° (FWHM). By applying the triangular surveying method, we also propose a new concept for the stereo measurement of gamma rays by using two Compton cameras, thus enabling the 3-D positional measurement of radioactive isotopes for the first time. From one point source simulation data, we ensured that the source position and the distance to the same could be determined typically to within 2 meters׳ accuracy and we also confirmed that more than two sources are clearly separated by the event selection from two point sources of simulation data. •A scintillator-based Compton camera is being optimized using Geant4 simulations.•Both high efficiency and moderate angular resolution can be achieved simultaneously.•We ensured a new method of sensing the 3-D position of a source through simulations.•The source position can be determined typically within 2 meters׳ accuracy.•More than two sources can be visualized individually via a simple event selection.