Timing signal distribution to pet imaging components via optical path

A method comprising:

• outputting a reference electrical clock signal from a reference clock source disposed outside of a radiofrequency-shielded cabin;
• generating a source optical signal outside of the radiofrequency-shielded cabin based on the reference electrical clock signal;
• transmitting the source optical signal into the radiofrequency-shielded cabin via optical media;
• generating an electrical clock signal based on the source optical signal within the radiofrequency-shielded cabin;
• applying jitter cleaning to the electrical clock signal within the radiofrequency-shielded cabin to generate a jitter-cleaned electrical clock signal based on an average frequency of the electrical clock signal and a jitter of a magnetically-compatible jitter cleaner oscillator;
• and
• transmitting the jitter-cleaned electrical clock signal to a plurality of positron emission tomography scanner detectors disposed within the radiofrequency-shielded cabin.

A system comprising:

• a radiofrequency-shielded cabin;
• a reference clock source disposed outside of the radiofrequency-shielded cabin to output a reference electrical clock signal;
• an optical system to generate a source optical signal based on the reference electrical clock signal, transmit the source optical signal into the radiofrequency-shielded cabin, and generate an electrical clock signal based on the source optical signal within the radiofrequency-shielded cabin;
• a jitter cleaner disposed within the radiofrequency-shielded cabin to receive the electrical clock signal and to generate a jitter-cleaned electrical clock signal based on the electrical clock signal;
• and
• a plurality of positron emission tomography scanner detectors disposed within the radiofrequency-shielded cabin and to receive the jitter-cleaned electrical clock signal,
• wherein a jitter of the jitter-cleaned electrical clock signal is substantially unaffected by magnetic fields and magnetic field gradients within the radiofrequency-shielded cabin.