the timing channel area is a 2 u00d7 2 array of 50 u03bcm cells 100 u03bcm u00d7 100 u03bcm total area then the expected dark count rate would be preferably 2500 counts per second for the timing channel area this is only 1 count every 400 microseconds preferably the dark count rate would be less than 3000 counts per second for the timing channel area more preferably the dark count rate would be less than 2500 counts per second more preferably the dark count rate would be less than 2000 counts per second more preferably the dark count rate would be less than 1800 counts per second this count rate is very low compared to the typical count rate in pet therefore the number of false timing events is reduced since there still would be random timing events not associated with a true energy event such events could be discriminated against based on the event timing for example when a real scintillation event occurs an energy and timing signal is produced at the same time a fixed known delay could be placed on the timing signal line preferably at 10 ns or preferably at anywhere between 5 ns and 20 ns so the timing signal arrives at the system electronics after.