Comparison of the scintillation properties of LSO:Ce and YSO:Ce as the detectors for high resolution PET.

We investigate the application of LSO and YSO scintillating crystals for Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Properties such as light output, energy resolution, detection efficiency for various energy threshold, and timing resolution are presented. These data allow us to evaluate the usage of finger-like LSO:Ce and YSO:Ce crystals coupled to photomultiplier tube, and to establish optimal operating conditions for high-resolution PET. Both crystals have advantages over BGO currently used in PET and LSO is considered as a possible replacement for BGO based systems.