title: SmartCAM: An adaptive clinical SPECT camera.
abstract: An adaptive pinhole aperture that fits a GE MaxiCam Single-Photon-Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) system has been designed, built, and is undergoing testing. The purpose of an adaptive aperture is to allow the imaging system to make adjustments to the aperture while imaging data are being acquired. Our adaptive pinhole aperture can alter several imaging parameters, including field of view, resolution, sensitivity, and magnification. The dynamic nature of such an aperture allows for imaging of specific regions of interest based on initial measurements of the patient. Ideally, this mode of data collection will improve the understanding of a patient's condition, and will facilitate better diagnosis and treatment. The aperture was constructed using aluminum and a low melting point, high-stopping-power metal alloy called Cerrobend. The aperture utilizes a rotating disk for the selection of a pinhole configuration; as the aluminum disk rotates, different pinholes move into view of the camera face and allow the passage of gamma rays through that particular pinhole. By controlling the angular position of the disk, the optical characteristics of the aperture can be modified, allowing the system to acquire data from controlled regions of interest. First testing was performed with a small radioactive source to prove the functionality of the aperture.
authors.affiliation: Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dumas
authors.affiliation: Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.affiliation: Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724.
authors.forename: Alonzo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Espinoza
authors.affiliation: Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724.
authors.forename: Donovan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.affiliation: Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.affiliation: Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724.
authors.forename: Matt
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nipper
authors.affiliation: Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724 ; College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, 1630 E. University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721.
authors.forename: Harrison H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.affiliation: College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, 1630 E. University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721 ; Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724.
authors.forename: Matthew A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kupinski
authors.affiliation: Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245067, Tucson, AZ 85724 ; College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, 1630 E. University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721.
authors.forename: Lars R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Furenlid