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Anode Technical Institute
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NMI 105
Term 2
3 credits

Gamma Camera Detectors and SPECT Service

NMI 105 delves into the fundamental components and service methodologies for modern nuclear medicine imaging systems. Students will gain a deep understanding of thallium-doped sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) scintillation crystals, their interaction with radiation, and the role of photomultiplier tube (PMT) arrays and silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) in signal conversion. The curriculum covers critical calibration procedures, including energy and uniformity corrections, to maintain image quality. Furthermore, the course examines the design and function of various collimator types, the mechanics of SPECT gantry movements, and the importance of accurate center-of-rotation calibration for three-dimensional image reconstruction. Through theoretical lessons and practical labs, technicians will develop the expertise required to troubleshoot, maintain, and ensure the reliability of these complex imaging devices.

InstructorJacob Calhoun
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Prerequisites

NMI 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Gamma Camera Systemslecture
02Lesson 2: Principles of Scintillation Detection and Radiation Interactionlecture
03Lesson 3: Thallium-Doped Sodium Iodide (NaI(Tl)) Crystals: Structure and Functionlecture
04Hands-on Lab: Scintillation Crystal Inspection and Handlinglab
05Lesson 5: Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) Arrays: Theory, Operation, and Maintenancelecture
06Lesson 6: Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM): Principles and Advantageslecture
07Lesson 7: Signal Processing and Analog-to-Digital Conversion in Gamma Cameraslecture
08Hands-on Lab: PMT/SiPM Array Troubleshooting and Replacementlab
09Lesson 9: Energy Calibration and Spectral Peak Optimizationlecture
10Lesson 10: Uniformity Correction: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Methodslecture
11Hands-on Lab: Performing Energy and Uniformity Calibrationslab
12Lesson 12: Collimator Types, Selection, and Maintenancelecture
13Lesson 13: SPECT Gantry Mechanics and Center-of-Rotation (COR) Calibrationlecture
14Capstone Service Project: Comprehensive Gamma Camera and SPECT System Servicingassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Gamma Camera Systems","Week 2: Lesson 2: Principles of Scintillation Detection and Radiation Interaction","Week 3: Lesson 3: Thallium-Doped Sodium Iodide (NaI(Tl)) Crystals: Structure and Function","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Scintillation Crystal Inspection and Handling","Week 5: Lesson 5: Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) Arrays: Theory, Operation, and Maintenance","Week 6: Lesson 6: Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM): Principles and Advantages","Week 7: Lesson 7: Signal Processing and Analog-to-Digital Conversion in Gamma Cameras","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: PMT/SiPM Array Troubleshooting and Replacement","Week 9: Lesson 9: Energy Calibration and Spectral Peak Optimization","Week 10: Lesson 10: Uniformity Correction: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Methods","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Performing Energy and Uniformity Calibrations","Week 12: Lesson 12: Collimator Types, Selection, and Maintenance","Week 13: Lesson 13: SPECT Gantry Mechanics and Center-of-Rotation (COR) Calibration","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Comprehensive Gamma Camera and SPECT System Servicing"]