Feasibility study of SPECT system for online dosimetry imaging in boron neutron capture therapy

•A single collimator version of a PG-SPECT system was experimentally tested.•The rate of 478 keV and 2223 keV gamma-rays passing through the aperture was measured.•Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate various semiconductor detectors.•Of the detectors simulated, a CdTe detector of thickness 2–3 mm is the best.

A single collimator version of a proposed PG-SPECT system was manufactured and experimentally tested. Combining this experimental data with Monte Carlo simulation, the viability of Ge and CdTe semiconductors detectors was calculated. It was determined that the best detector of the ones compared would be a CdTe detector of 2–3 mm, aided by the benefit of adding a Compton-suppression anti-coincidence timing detector.