Radiation detection device employing segmented metascintillators

The invention relates to a device for the detection of gamma rays. The device of the invention can be applied, preferably but without limitation, to positron-emission tomography (PET) scanner technologies. Light sharing provides information on depth-of-interaction but deteriorates timing; 1-to-1 coupling improves timing but no depth-of-interaction information. fast timing in PET requires not only fast timing in itself, but also a good 3D spatial resolution, and particularly for the DOI determination. The solutions for precise DOI determination are either expensive (double readout) or incompatible with good timing (light sharing). The proposed block detector/pixel technology, combining the merits of both approaches allows a DOI determination at the mm level, and optimises the ratio fast/slow signal by reducing the slow signal contribution to the central SiPM only for the time estimate. The invention creates a hybrid readout approach where the metascintillator architecture allows the slow light to be shared, providing depth-of-interaction information, while the majority of fast light that carries the timing information to be directed to a single photodetector, also providing the most accurate timing characterization.