Evaluation of the 256ch Flat Panel PS-PMT on Positioning Image Histogram for PET

For a next generation PET that realizes high sensitivity and high resolution, we proposed a design of a depth of interaction detector. A unit of the detector is constructed of four stages rectangular blocks of 2 by 2 Gd$_2$SiO$\sub$5/: Ce (GSO) crystal array optically coupled to position sensitive photomultiplier tube (PS-PMT). The 256ch flat panel PS-PMT is under development by Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., JAPAN. It has large cathode area, 51.7 by 51.7 mm$^2$, and the ratio of the effective area to external size is about 90%. The feature will contribute high packing fraction, accordingly high sensitivity. The 256 anodes are arranged in 16 by 16 at intervals of 3.0 mm. So as to evaluate the detector capability for identifying crystal of interaction, we got positioning image histograms with coupling a 16 by 5 array of GSO crystals, 2.9 by 2.9 by 7.5 mm$^3$, to the PS-PMT by irradiating a gamma ray uniformly from a point source. Flat panel PS-PMT is a new promising device for PET. We need to evaluate it if its performance is sufficiency. The performance was compared to the one with a 16ch PS-PMT.