The development of the Rutherford laboratory MWPC positron camera

The development of a large aperture (30 cm × 30 cm) positron camera is described. It is based on the particular hybrid MWPC structure developed at the Rutherford Laboratory∗∗This apparatus is covered by British Patent number 26595/77. which consists of multiple MWPC detectors with laminated metal cathode foils which function simultaneously as converters for the 511 keV positron annihilation gamma rays and inductive readout strips.The solutions found for the many structural and electronic problems encountered in the design are described. Results are presented showing good imaging ability (spatial resolution of 6 mm fwhm) with high sensitivity (1000–2000 counts/μCi · min) with positron emitting test phantoms (22Na and 68Ga).