What percentage range is typical for Full Width at Half Maximum in PET imaging?

In Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) is a critical parameter used to quantify the spatial resolution of the imaging system. FWHM represents the width of the peak of a detector response curve at half of its maximum value, essentially measuring how well the system can delineate between small structures in the imaged area.

The typical percentage range of FWHM in PET imaging is between 7% and 11%. This range reflects the balance between spatial resolution and sensitivity that PET systems aim to achieve. A FWHM within this range indicates that the system is capable of providing high-quality images while minimizing the effects of scattered radiation and other factors which could degrade image quality.

This range is important for ensuring that the PET system can accurately capture the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals within the body, which is critical for diagnostic purposes. Higher percentages would indicate poorer resolution, while lower percentages might suggest an unrealistic level of resolution, exceeding the capabilities of conventional PET imaging technology.

Understanding the typical FWHM helps technicians and medical physicists to assess and compare different PET systems, guiding the selection of appropriate imaging modalities based on the diagnostic requirements.