Characterisation of the Upgraded MERMAID Prototype, a PET/CT Device for Small Aquatic Animals

Zebrafish and other small aquatic animals are model organisms used to study human diseases. To extend Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to such small animals, dedicated concepts are necessary. We are developing Multi-Emission Radioisotopes - Marine Animal Imaging Device (MERMAID), the first prototype conceived for radioisotope imaging of small aquatic animals. A first characterization of the new modules shows a homogeneous behavior of the individual channels. Furthermore, a linear response was determined for activities from approx. 1 to 5 MBq. Further characterization and and image quality measurements are to be carried out.