Which scintillator commonly used in PET is known for having the highest light output?

The choice of lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) as the scintillator known for having the highest light output in positron emission tomography (PET) is appropriate due to its unique properties. LSO has an impressive light yield, typically around 30,000 photons/MeV, which enables improved signal detection and enhanced image quality in PET scans.

This high light output is crucial for the efficiency of PET imaging, as it enhances the scintillation response to gamma photons emitted from positron annihilation events. The rapid response time of LSO also contributes positively to time-of-flight (TOF) PET imaging, allowing for better spatial resolution and sensitivity in detecting small lesions.

In comparison, while other scintillators like barium fluoride (BaF2), bismuth germanate (BGO), and gadolinium orthosilicate (GSO) have their own applications and benefits, they do not achieve the same level of light output as LSO. For instance, BGO, though commonly used, has a considerably lower light output and is less efficient for timing applications. GSO has a good light output but is also inferior to LSO in terms of performance for PET applications. BaF2 has some unique timing