A crystal identification method for mo- nolithic phoswich detectors based on scintillation light distribution

Phoswich detectors based on scintillation crystals are widely diffused for both PET and SPECT applications. In order to separate the signals arising from different layers many methods have been proposed in literature. Separation of the layers commonly relies on time discrimination or pulse height discrimination. In this work, by means of experimental measurement on a phoswich detector based on Lanthanum Bromide and Lutetium Fine Silicate monolithic crystals, a novel method allowing to separate signals coming from different layers has been evaluated. The main feature of this method, specifically developed for phoswich based on monolithic scintillation crystals, is the discrimination capability based on the scintillation light distribution shape. For this reason, the findings that will be shown could be easily extended to whatever combination of scintillator, independently from their decay time or light yield.