An experimental feasibility study of a 4π gamma-ray imager using detector response patterns

Abstract

We constructed a gamma-ray imager that estimates the distribution of gamma-ray sources based on the response patterns of multiple gamma-ray detectors randomly positioned in three-dimensional space. The Coded Cube Camera for Gamma-ray (C3G), comprising eight Gd3Al2Ga3O12 (Ce) scintillator and eighteen lead cubes is housed in a cubical casing with an 86 mm edge length and weighs approximately 600 g. The results of the 4π imaging experiment confirmed the feasibility of imaging a 10 MBq 137Cs source 3 m away for a 10 min measurement. C3G operates with only eight channels, instead of the hundreds needed by a typical imager. This setup allows for a simplified circuit and reconstruction algorithm, resulting in a cost-effective and reliable system. With its compact and lightweight design and 4π field of view, this technology is expected to find extensive applications in astronomy, medicine, nuclear security, and decommissioning projects.