The Hoffman 3D Brain Phantom is a reference anatomical phantom designed for realistic three-dimensional simulation of the human brain. It accurately reproduces the relative distribution of gray matter, white matter and ventricles as observed in clinical brain imaging.
The phantom is constructed from a stack of precisely machined slices, enabling simulation of a 4:1 gray-to-white matter activity ratio produced by partial volume effects. This ratio corresponds to physiological values seen in normal cerebral perfusion and metabolic studies.
A single fillable chamber is used, simplifying preparation while ensuring uniform activity distribution. Ventricular regions are represented as non-radioactive areas, consistent with normal brain physiology.
The Hoffman 3D Brain Phantom is internationally recognized as a standard reference phantom for evaluating SPECT, PET and MRI system performance, particularly for studying spatial resolution, attenuation, scatter and 3D reconstruction effects. Optional solid defect inserts can be added to simulate localized abnormalities, including basal ganglia defects.
Specifications
Main applications:
- Evaluation of brain acquisition and reconstruction methods
- Validation of 3D reconstruction algorithms
- Assessment of attenuation and scatter effects
- Evaluation of SPECT / PET / MRI registration
- Research applications
Anatomical simulation:
- Realistic 3D representation of the human brain
- Simulated gray-to-white matter activity ratio: 4:1
- Ventricles without activity
- Partial volume effect simulation
Construction:
- Cylindrical PMMA phantom
- Polycarbonate brain inserts
- Stack of 19 anatomical sections
Dimensions:
- Inside cylinder diameter: approximately 208 mm
- Inside cylinder height: approximately 175 mm
- Fillable volume: approximately 1.2 L
Slice thickness:
- Top slice: approximately 3.1 mm
- Center slices: 6.5 mm
- Bottom slice: approximately 9.7 mm
Imaging modality compatibility:
- SPECT
- PET
- MRI
Models
- BR/3D/P - Hoffman 3D Brain Phantom
