Scientists from the Jagiellonian University in Krakow published the world’s first three-photon PET tomography image. It was performed using a J-PET tomograph, developed at the Institute of Physics of the Jagiellonian University by the team of Prof. Paweł Moskal.

The tomograph was developed as part of the Jagiellonian PET (J-PET) project. It is a prototype of a medical imaging device using Positron Emission Tomography, which combines the possibility of simultaneous scanning of the whole body with unconventional imaging modes.

It differs from the current PET scanners that produce images based on two photons. The three-photon imaging method developed by scientists from the Jagiellonian University opens up new possibilities for diagnosing cancer, and also enables testing the symmetry between matter and antimatter.

The goal of the J-PET project is to design a device that will allow simultaneous imaging of the entire body. Its purpose is not only to locate tumors, but also to determine the degree of their malignancy and to study the dynamics of metabolism and drug distribution.