S. Kerhoas-Cavata, A. S. Kirov, V. Kohli, M. Koole, M. Krieguer, D. J. van der Laan, F. Lamare, G.
Largeron, C. Lartizien, D. Lazaro, M. C. Maas, L. Maigne, F. Mayet, F. Melot, C. Merheb, E. Pennacchio, J.
Perez, U. Pietrzyk, F. R. Rannou, M. Rey, D. R. Schaart, C. R. Schmidtlein, L. Simon, T. Y. Song, J.-M.
Vieira, D. Visvikis, R. Van de Walle, E. Wieers, C. Morel
Special Thanks: Geant4 Collaboration and LOW energy WG
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Forewords
Monte Carlo simulation is an essential tool in emission tomography to assist in the design of new medical
imaging devices, assess new implementations of image reconstruction algorithms and/or scatter correction
techniques, and optimise scan protocols. Although dedicated Monte Carlo codes have been developed for
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and for Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography
(SPECT), these tools suffer from a variety of drawbacks and limitations in terms of validation, accuracy,
and/or support (Buvat). On the other hand, accurate and versatile simulation codes such as GEANT3 (G3),
EGS4, MCNP, and GEANT4 have been written for high energy physics. They all include well-validated
physics models, geometry modeling tools, and efficient visualization utilities. However these packages are
quite complex and necessitate a steep learning curve.
GATE, the GEANT4 Application for Emission Tomography (MIC02, Siena02, ITBS02, GATE, encapsulates
the GEANT4 libraries in order to achieve a modular, versatile, scripted simulation toolkit adapted to the
field of nuclear medicine. In particular, GATE provides the capability for modeling time-dependent
phenomena such as detector movements or source decay kinetics, thus allowing the simulation of time
curves under realistic acquisition conditions.
GATE was developed within the OpenGATE Collaboration with the objective to provide the academic
community with a free software, general-purpose, GEANT4-based simulation platform for emission
tomography. The collaboration currently includes 21 laboratories fully dedicated to the task of improving,
documenting, and testing GATE thoroughly against most of the imaging systems commercially available in
PET and SPECT (Staelens, Lazaro).
Particular attention was paid to provide meaningful documentation with the simulation software package,
including installation and user's guides, and a list of FAQs. This will hopefully make possible the long term
support and continuity of GATE, which we intend to propose as a new standard for Monte Carlo simulation
in nuclear medicine.
In name of the OpenGATE Collaboration
Christian MOREL CPPM CNRS/IN2P3, Marseille