Optimization of the positron emission tomography image resolution by adopting the emulsion cloud chamber technique1

In the context of the development of our study (S. Mohammed et al.) entitled "Theoretical calculation of positronnuclear emulsion image resolution using Geant4 code" published on 2017, this research will evaluate the optimization of the image resolution of the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) when the so-called nuclear emulsion technology is introduced into tumor imaging. Upgraded and more reliable FLUKA Monte-Carlo simulation codes were performed in order to simulate a punctual source of 1 MeV positrons, emitting particles in all directions through a nuclear emulsion medium. Two new methods dedicated for the vertex reconstruction leading to an accurate recognition of the positron source are presented in this work. Moreover, this research focuses on the effects of the technical obstructions that would affect the PET imaging procedures using the nuclear emulsion, such as the scanning microscope efficiency and the actual accuracy of the slope and position measurement of the particle track on the emulsion. Taking such parameters into considerations gave a more precise and realistic estimate of the so-optimized image resolution for the PET medical imaging system.