Several applications exist for a whole brain positron-emission tomography (PET) brain imager designed as a portable unit that can be worn on a patient’s head. Enabled by improvements in detector technology, a lightweight, high performance device would allow PET brain imaging in different environments and during behavioral tasks. Such a wearable system that allows the subjects to move their heads and walk—the Ambulatory Microdose PET (AM-PET)—is currently under development. This imager will be helpful for testing subjects performing selected activities such as gestures, virtual reality activities and walking. The need for this type of lightweight mobile device has led to the construction of a proof of concept portable head-worn unit that uses twelve silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) PET module sensors built into a small ring which fits around the head. This paper is focused on the engineering design of mechanical support aspects of the AM-PET project, both of the current device as well as of the coming next-generation devices. The goal of this work is to optimize design of the scanner and its mechanics to improve comfort for the subject by reducing the effect of weight, and to enable diversification of its applications amongst different research activities.

A novel brain imager using whole brain Positron Emission is a portable unit which can be worn on a patient’s head to provide a lightweight, low cost unit which conducts AM-PET (Ambulatory Microdose Positron Emission Tomography) scans in diverse locations and social situations. Such allows the subject to move their head and even walk, called Ambulatory Microdose PET (AMPET). This is also conducive to the testing of patients while performing selected activities that stimulate certain brain regions such as walking, playing a game, clapping and other such tasks; this unit is specifically intended for those with Alzheimer’s, cancer, mental health, or any kind of brain injury to learn more about the nature of these conditions as a basis to identify a potential cure and treatment options. The need for this type of device has led to the design of a portable head held unit that currently uses twelve PET module sensors in specific locations around the head. Current PET scanners need a patient to remain still for several minutes, whereas with this novel unit you can see defined parts of the brain working as the patient moves their head comfortably, even while standing. This manuscript is focused on the engineering design aspects of the Am-PET project. The goal of this work is to further design this portable head unit to alleviate weight of the current head unit, improve comfort for the patient, and diversify its application amongst research activities. Specific gains include the design and manufacture of a system that reduces the relative movement of head and helmet significantly and does not restrict the user’s head motion. The continuation of this work includes design review of the current model, design improvements based on the identified project requirements, and development of a working prototype. The success of this work will be measured by comparing the developed prototype to the original device and the newly developed metrics.