Dynode-timing method for PET block detectors

The focus of this paper is the investigation of a new dynode-timing technique optimized for PET block detectors. This method allows utilization of dynode signals from single but especially multiple photo-multiplier tubes (PMTs), operated with negative high-voltage. The technique will provide an event-timing trigger without deteriorating the anode signal. A printed circuit board has been developed and built for this investigation. Benchmark measurements have been performed, comparing timing of the anode signal with timing of the inverted last-dynode signal and timing of the dynode signal extracted via a newly developed LVPECL-logic based board. Timing measurements were performed with plastic as well as LSO scintillators. From single PMT measurements we find a 30 ps improvement with the dynode-timing method compared to the standard anode timing with two Photonis XP2020Q PMTs with LSO (10 mm x 10 mm x 10 ram). For a quad-PMT block detector, assembled of four Hamamatsu R9800 with a Hi-Rez block, the timing-resolution improves similar to 10%, by 43 ps compared to the standard anode timing.