Detector Spectrometer
By designing a detector spectrometer with arrayed stacked units and photon excitation components, the problem of not being able to monitor and fully acquire proton beam information online in existing technologies has been solved, realizing real-time detection and energy spectrum analysis of proton beams.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202210685004.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-06-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-06-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing proton energy spectrum detection equipment cannot achieve online monitoring of proton beam information, nor can it obtain complete proton beam information.
A detector spectrometer was designed, including a base, a reaction component, and a acquisition component. It receives a proton beam and excites it to generate photons through an array of stacked units. The photon excitation component and the acquisition component are used to realize the real-time acquisition and analysis of proton beam energy information.
It achieves online detection of proton beams and ensures the integrity of information, enabling real-time analysis of proton energy spectra and improving the completeness and accuracy of proton beam information.
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Figure CN115220083B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of proton detection technology, and in particular to a detection spectrometer. Background Technology
[0002] Compared to traditional accelerators, laser proton accelerators offer advantages such as large acceleration gradients, high beam flux, and low maintenance costs. The advent of high-repetition-rate (PRR) femtosecond lasers has further optimized the online performance of laser-driven proton sources. Currently, commonly used proton energy spectrum detection devices in non-PRR laser proton accelerators include RCF (radiochromic film) stacks or CR39 (a type of solid-state track detector) stacks. High-repetition-rate (PRR) ion detection devices include Thomson spectrometers based on microchannel plates and fluorescent screens. However, each detection device has its limitations. For example, RCF stacks change color after receiving radiation information such as protons, and the depth of the color change depends on the energy of the radiation deposition. The deposited radiation dose can only be obtained by scanning the colored RCF with an instrument. All of these methods require experimental verification to obtain proton beam information, making online monitoring of the proton beam impossible. Although Thomson ion spectrometers can detect proton beams online, their small collimation aperture limits the completeness of the proton beam information. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The present application provides a detection spectrometer that enables online detection of proton beams and improves the integrity of the detected proton beam information.
[0004] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a detector spectrometer, which includes a base, a reaction assembly, and a collection assembly. The base has an incident window and a channel extending through it along a first direction. The reaction assembly includes an assembly housing and a plurality of stacked units. The assembly housing is at least partially housed within the channel. The plurality of stacked units are arranged in an array on the assembly housing. The stacked units are housed within the channel but exposed to the incident window. The stacked units are used to receive a proton beam incident from the incident window and to generate photons. The incident direction of the proton beam is the thickness direction of the stacked units, and the first reverse direction intersects the incident direction of the proton beam. The collection assembly is disposed at the end of the channel away from the reaction assembly and is used to collect photons.
[0005] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, a plurality of stacked units are arranged along a second direction. Each stacked unit includes a metal component and a photon excitation component. The metal component and the photon excitation component of the plurality of stacked units are arranged sequentially along the second direction. The photon excitation component can generate photons under the excitation of a proton beam. In the plurality of stacked units arranged along the second direction, the thickness of the metal component gradually increases in the incident direction of the proton beam. The first direction and the second direction intersect.
[0006] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, a plurality of stack units are arranged along a third direction, and the metal parts in the plurality of stack units arranged along the third direction have the same thickness, and the third direction and the second direction intersect.
[0007] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the thickness of the photonic excitation components is the same.
[0008] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the assembly housing includes an end plate and a plurality of partitions, the plurality of partitions being spaced apart on the end plate along a third direction, and a plurality of stacking units being arranged on the partitions along a second direction.
[0009] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, among a plurality of stack units arranged along a second direction, at least one stack unit's metal component is connected to a partition, and the metal components connected to the partition are spaced apart along a third direction.
[0010] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the assembly housing further includes a first sidewall disposed at both ends of the end plate along a third direction, the first sidewall extending along a first direction, and a groove extending along the first direction is formed on the first sidewall.
[0011] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the assembly housing further includes a light-shielding member disposed within a groove.
[0012] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the assembly housing further includes a second sidewall disposed at both ends of the end plate along the second direction, the two ends of the second sidewall being connected to two opposing first sidewalls, and the second sidewall being connected to the end of the partition away from the incident window.
[0013] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the detector spectrometer further includes a cover plate, which is slidably disposed with the base to cover or open the incident window.
[0014] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the detector spectrometer further includes a mobile platform connected to the base, the mobile platform being used to adjust the base to move along a first direction and / or a third direction.
[0015] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the mobile platform includes a guide rail extending along a first direction, and a base slidably disposed on the guide rail.
[0016] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the mobile platform further includes a telescopic rod that extends in a third direction and is connected to the base, and the telescopic rod is capable of telescoping in the third direction.
[0017] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the collection component includes an optical module and a photosensor. The optical module is sleeved on the end of the base away from the reaction component and is used to collect photons. The photosensor is connected to the optical module and is used to record the distribution of photons.
[0018] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the detector spectrometer further includes an assembly, one end of which is fitted onto the base at the end away from the reaction component, and the other end of which is fitted onto the optical module at the end away from the photosensor.
[0019] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the detector spectrometer further includes a disassembly component, which includes a connecting ring sleeved on the assembly and a handle connected to the connecting ring.
[0020] In the detection spectrometer provided in this application embodiment, the detection spectrometer includes a base, a reaction component, and a collection component. When a proton beam is incident on the stack unit through the incident window, the proton beam can excite the stack unit to generate fluorescent photons. The excited photons can carry out the energy information deposited by the proton beam. Subsequently, the photons carrying the energy information move along a first direction and are collected by the collection component and imaged in the collection component in a certain spatial distribution form. Then, the distribution information of the collected photons is analyzed in real time to obtain a proton energy spectrum, realizing online detection and analysis of the proton beam. Since the stack unit itself is arranged in an array on the assembly housing, the detection spectrometer can detect proton beams at different angles, ensuring the integrity of the information of the detected proton beam. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar features.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a detector spectrometer provided in the first aspect of this application;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an assembly housing provided in the first aspect of this application;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an assembly housing provided in the first aspect of this application;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a stack unit provided in the first aspect embodiment of this application;
[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a detector spectrometer provided in the first aspect of this application.
[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0028] 100. Detector spectrometer; X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction;
[0029] 1. Base; 11. Entrance window; 12. Channel; 13. Protrusion;
[0030] 2. Reaction assembly; 21. Assembly housing; 211. Partition; 212. End plate; 213. First sidewall; 213a. Groove; 213b. Light shield; 214. Second sidewall; 22. Stack unit; 221. Metal part; 222. Photon excitation assembly; 222a. Acrylic plate; 222b. Scintillator;
[0031] 3. Acquisition components; 31. Optical module; 32. Light sensing device; 33. Silicone parts;
[0032] 4. Cover plate;
[0033] 5. Mobile platform; 51. Guide rail; 52. Telescopic rod;
[0034] 6. Assembly parts;
[0035] 7. Disassembly parts; 71. Connecting ring; 72. Handle;
[0036] 8. Photon attenuation filter. Detailed Implementation
[0037] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this application will now be described in detail. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a comprehensive understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be implemented without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of this application by illustrating examples. In the accompanying drawings and the following description, at least some well-known structures and techniques are not shown to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the application; and, for clarity, the dimensions of some structures may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics described below can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0038] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0039] The directional terms appearing in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of the embodiments of this application. It should also be noted in the description of this application that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0040] Currently, among existing technologies, commonly used proton energy spectrum detection devices include RCF stack detectors and Thomson ion spectrometers. However, both of the above detection devices have their limitations. For example, in the RCF stack detector (where RCF stands for radiochromic film), the detector is composed of several RCF, aluminum film, tantalum film, etc., stacked together in a certain combination to form a stacked detector. The RCF stack changes color after receiving radiation information such as protons. The depth of the color change depends on the energy of the radiation deposition. The deposition radiation dose can only be obtained by scanning the colored RCF with an instrument. Moreover, the color change process is irreversible, which makes it impossible for RCF stacks to monitor proton beams online. Even if a quick-replaceable RCF stack is made, beam information can only be obtained after experimentation, and it is still impossible to obtain proton beam information online in real time. Although Thomson ion spectrometers can detect proton beams online, Thomson ion spectrometers are equipped with collimating apertures (usually only tens to hundreds of micrometers in diameter). The size of the collimating aperture determines the energy spectrum resolution of ion diagnosis. Therefore, Thomson ion spectrometers can usually only provide the proton energy spectrum of a small spatial solid angle and cannot obtain complete proton beam information.
[0041] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this application provide a detector spectrometer. For a better understanding of this application, the following description is provided in conjunction with... Figures 1 to 5 The detector spectrometer of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.
[0042] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a detector spectrometer provided in the first aspect of this application.
[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a detector spectrometer 100, which includes a base 1, a reaction component 2, and a collection component 3. The base 1 has an incident window 11 and a channel 12 extending along a first direction X. The reaction component 2 includes an assembly housing 21 and a plurality of stacked units 22. The assembly housing 21 is at least partially housed within the channel 12. The plurality of stacked units 22 are arranged in an array on the assembly housing 21. The stacked units 22 are housed within the channel 12 but exposed to the incident window 11. The stacked units 22 are used to receive a proton beam incident from the incident window 11 and to generate photons. The incident direction of the proton beam is the thickness direction of the stacked units 22, and the first direction X intersects the incident direction of the proton beam. The collection component 3 is disposed at the end of the channel 12 away from the reaction component 2 and is used to collect photons.
[0044] There are various ways to set up the base 1. For example, it can be a shell with openings 215 at both ends, into which the reaction component 2 and the acquisition component 3 are respectively inserted to facilitate the collection of photons excited by the stack unit 22. The base 1 can be made of a metal material such as aluminum alloy, which can shield against strong electromagnetic pulses in the working environment and increase the service life of the detector spectrometer 100. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that this application does not limit the specific material of the base 1 as long as it can fix the reaction component 2 and the acquisition component 3, and does not make any specific restrictions. The proton beam is a proton beam generated by the laser in the laser proton accelerator bombarding a solid target. The proton beam enters the detector spectrometer 100 through the incident window 11 for proton beam energy spectrum detection. The shape, size and position of the incident window 11 are not specifically limited in this application, as long as it can ensure that the proton beam can pass smoothly through the incident window 11 and enter the stack unit 22. Exemplarily, the incident window 11 of this application is a rectangular shape (a rectangular shape such as a rectangle with rounded corners or a parallelogram), with a size of 89.4 mm × 34.9 mm, and the incident direction of the proton beam is perpendicular to the base 1 to facilitate the collection of photons excited by the stack unit 22. It is readily understood that this application is only illustrative and is not limited thereto; the shape, size, and position of the incident window 11 can be adjusted according to actual conditions. Optionally, the first direction X of this application is horizontal, and the channel 12 extends horizontally through the base 1. The shape and size of the channel 12 can be adjusted according to the size of the reaction component 2 and the collection component 3 to accommodate reaction components 2 and collection components 3 of different sizes and shapes.
[0045] There are various ways to configure the assembly housing 21. For example, it can be a housing with a receiving cavity, in which the stack units 22 are arranged in an array. The stack units 22 need to be exposed within the incident window 11 to ensure that the proton beam can completely irradiate the stack units 22, thus guaranteeing the integrity of the obtained proton beam information. Since the operating environment of the detector spectrometer 100 is a vacuum filled with laser scattered light, the assembly housing 21 can optionally be made of a metal material such as aluminum alloy to shield these laser scattered lights and improve its service life. In this embodiment, the assembly housing 21 is detachably connected to the base 1. This design facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement of the assembly housing 21, as well as the replacement and arrangement of the stack units 22. It is readily understood by those skilled in the art that, based on the concept of a proton's range in a medium (i.e., the distance between the proton's stopping point and the surface), a certain correspondence can be derived between the depth the proton reaches in the medium and the characteristics of the proton. Therefore, when a proton beam irradiates the stack unit 22, the proton beam can move within the stack unit 22. During its movement, the proton beam continuously interacts with the microscopic particles in the stack unit 22, losing energy. Finally, the proton beam stops in a certain area due to the complete loss of kinetic energy. Moreover, when the proton beam passes through the stack unit 22, the stack unit 22 emits fluorescent photons. These fluorescent photons move along the first direction X within the channel 12 and are eventually collected by the acquisition component 3. It is readily understood that the number of these fluorescent photons is related to factors such as the energy lost by the proton beam. Therefore, these fluorescent photons can be analyzed subsequently to obtain the energy spectrum of the proton beam. Therefore, it is readily understood by those skilled in the art that the irradiation surface of the stack unit 22 is the side formed by its width and length, i.e., the incident direction of the proton beam is the thickness direction of the stack unit 22. In this embodiment, the first direction X is perpendicular to the incident direction of the proton beam, which facilitates the collection component 3 in collecting the complete number of photons. However, this application is not limited to this. As long as the incident direction of the proton beam intersects with the first direction X and the two do not coincide or are parallel to each other, it is acceptable. The side of the stack unit 22 facing the collection component 3 is the side formed by its thickness and width, which ensures that the photons excited by the stack unit 22 can move along the first direction X within the channel 12 and be collected by the collection component 3. In these optional embodiments, the stacked units 22 are arrayed on the assembly housing 21, which enables the measurement of proton beams at different angles. On the one hand, this improves the integrity of the information from the online measurement of the proton beam; on the other hand, it allows for the determination of the continuity of the proton beam. For example, if fluorescent photons appear in the first row of the arrayed stacked units 22 but not in the second row, it indicates that the proton beam is discontinuous; and on the other hand, it also has a certain one-dimensional angular resolution capability. For example, if fluorescent photons are detected only in the middle row, it indicates that the distribution of the proton beam is relatively narrow.
[0046] There are several ways to configure the acquisition component 3. For example, it can be divided into a collection unit and an imaging unit. The collection unit collects photons excited by the stack unit 22, and the imaging unit images the spatial distribution of the collected photons. Finally, the proton energy spectrum is obtained by analyzing the imaged photon distribution map using a computer or other analytical instruments. When it is necessary to measure the proton beam energy spectrum, firstly, the reaction component 2 is inserted into the base 1, and then the acquisition component 3 is installed at the other end of the base 1 along the first direction X. Subsequently, the detector spectrometer 100 is fixed in the vacuum target chamber, and the incident window 11 is aligned with the position where the proton beam is emitted. Then, the laser proton accelerator starts working, and the proton beam irradiates the stack unit 22 through the incident window 11. Subsequently, the stack unit 22 is excited to generate fluorescent photons. These photons are collected by the acquisition component 3, and the spatial distribution of the photons is imaged and stored. The proton energy spectrum is obtained by analyzing the image using an externally connected computer or other analytical equipment. In these alternative embodiments, the acquisition component 3 is positioned along the first direction X on the side of the channel 12 away from the reaction component 2. It is easy to understand that both the acquisition component 3 and the reaction component 2 must cover the opening of the channel 12, so as to prevent photons from leaking out and affecting the accuracy of the detection results.
[0047] In the detection spectrometer 100 provided in this application embodiment, the detection spectrometer 100 includes a base 1, a reaction component 2, and a collection component 3. When a proton beam is incident on the stack unit 22 through the incident window 11, the proton beam can excite the stack unit 22 to generate fluorescent photons. The excited photons can carry out the energy information deposited by the proton beam. Subsequently, the photons carrying the energy information move along the first direction X and are collected by the collection component 3 and imaged in the collection component 3 in a certain spatial distribution form. Then, the distribution information of the collected photons is analyzed in real time to obtain the proton energy spectrum, realizing online detection and analysis of the proton beam. Since the stack unit 22 itself is arranged in an array on the assembly housing 21, the detection spectrometer 100 can detect proton beams at different angles, ensuring the integrity of the information of the detected proton beam.
[0048] See also Figures 2-4 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an assembly housing provided in the first aspect of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an assembly housing provided in the first aspect of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a stack unit provided in the first aspect of this application.
[0049] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, in some optional embodiments, a plurality of stack units 22 are arranged along the second direction Y. The stack unit 22 includes a metal part 221 and a photon excitation component 222. The metal part 221 and the photon excitation component 222 of the plurality of stack units 22 are arranged sequentially along the second direction Y. The photon excitation component 222 can generate photons under the excitation of a proton beam. In the plurality of stack units 22 arranged along the second direction Y, the thickness of the metal part 221 gradually increases in the incident direction of the proton beam. The first direction X and the second direction Y intersect.
[0050] In these optional embodiments, a stack unit 22 includes a stack of metal parts 221 and photon excitation components 222 arranged sequentially along the second direction Y. Exemplarily, the metal parts 221 in this application are aluminum sheets, which can shield and block scattered lasers and heavy ions in the vacuum cavity. The photon excitation component 222 in this application consists of an acrylic plate 222a, a scintillator 222b, and an acrylic plate 222a arranged sequentially along the second direction Y. The acrylic plate 222a is made of polymethyl methacrylate, abbreviated as PMMA, also known as plexiglass. Therefore, the acrylic plate 222a has highly transparent properties and can play a role in guiding light. The scintillator 222b is made of BC408 material, with an emission spectrum of 350nm-450nm. The scintillator 222b is a sensitive medium. When a proton beam passes through the scintillator 222b, it can excite the scintillator 222b to generate scintillating photons. These photons are the key to spectral interpretation. Specifically, in a stack unit 22, the stacked sheets are sequentially stacked along the incident direction of the proton beam: aluminum sheet, acrylic plate 222a, scintillator 222b, and acrylic plate 222a. The thicker the stack, the higher the detectable proton energy. The stacking method is simple stacking, without any other special connection methods. In this embodiment, the length and width of the stacked sheets in the metal parts 221 and photon excitation assembly 222 are both processed to 50mm and 10mm, respectively. Of course, this application does not limit the specific dimensions of these stacked sheets; it is only illustrative. The stacking order of the stacked sheets in the specific stack unit 22 is shown in Table 1. Of course, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that this application does not limit the specific materials of the metal parts 221 and photon excitation assembly 222. The metal parts 221 only need to be able to shield the scattered laser, and the photon excitation assembly 222 only needs to be able to generate photons and guide light. This application is only illustrative and is not limited thereto.
[0051] Optionally, the angle between the second direction Y and the first direction X is not limited in this application, as long as the two directions are not coincident or parallel. The following description uses the example of the first direction X being perpendicular to the second direction Y. In these stacked units 22 arranged along the second direction Y, the thickness of the metal part 221 along the incident direction of the proton beam gradually increases. In this application, for example, the thickness of the aluminum sheet gradually increases. This arrangement enables the detection of proton beams of different energies, because the stopping point of the proton beam is different depending on the thickness of the aluminum sheet. The thicker the aluminum sheet, the shorter the range of the proton beam. On the other hand, it ensures that the cutoff energy of the photon excitation components 222 in two adjacent stacked units 22 remains at around 4 MeV. Those skilled in the art should understand that proton beams of different energies can still be measured by changing the thickness of the acrylic plate 222a and the scintillator 222b in the photon excitation component 222. This application is not limited to changing the thickness of the aluminum sheet. Specifically, the thickness of the aluminum sheet in each stack unit 22 is shown in Table 1. The aluminum sheet of the first layer in Table 1 is made into a 15μm aluminum film mainly to shield the scattered laser and heavy ions in the vacuum cavity. Table 1 is only an example for illustration. Those skilled in the art can adjust the order, size and number of stacked sheets according to actual needs. This application is not limited thereto.
[0052] Table 1 Parameters of each component in the scintillator stack
[0053]
[0054] In some optional embodiments, a plurality of stack units 22 are arranged along a third direction Z. Among the plurality of stack units 22 arranged along the third direction Z, the metal parts 221 have the same thickness, and the third direction Z intersects with the second direction Y.
[0055] In these optional embodiments, the angle between the second direction Y and the third direction Z is not limited in this application, as long as the two directions are not coincident or parallel. The following description takes the second direction Y and the third direction Z being perpendicular, and the third direction Z being perpendicular to the plane formed by the first direction X and the second direction Y as an example. Exemplarily, the stack pieces of these stack units 22 are stacked sequentially in the first row in the first direction X in the assembly housing 21 according to the order in Table 1. Each of the remaining rows is arranged in the same order as the first row, that is, the thickness of the metal parts 221 in the stack units 22 arranged along the third direction Z is the same. This arrangement ensures that the arrangement of the stack units 22 in each row is the same. On the one hand, it is possible to measure proton beams at different angles to ensure the integrity of proton beam information. On the other hand, since the arrangement of the stack units 22 in each row is the same, it is possible to determine the continuity of the proton beam and distinguish the one-dimensional angular distribution of the proton beam to determine whether the proton beam distribution is narrow.
[0056] In some optional embodiments, the photon excitation components 222 have the same thickness. In these optional embodiments, exemplarily, the scintillator 222b in each photon excitation component 222 of each stack unit 22 is processed to a thickness of 300 μm, and the acrylic plate 222a is processed to a thickness of 0.2 mm, improving the ease of spectral interpretation. This is because the thickness of these photon excitation components 222 is related to the final spectral interpretation of the photons; a thicker photon excitation component 222 is more detrimental to the inverse interpretation of the energy spectrum.
[0057] Continue reading Figures 2 to 4 In some optional embodiments, the assembly housing 21 includes an end plate 212 and a plurality of partitions 211, the partitions 211 being spaced apart on the end plate 212 along a third direction Z, and a plurality of stacking units 22 being arranged on the partitions 211 along a second direction Y.
[0058] In these optional embodiments, when the housing 21 is inserted into the channel 12 of the base 1, the end plate 212 can just cover the channel 12, preventing the excited photons from escaping to the outside through the channel 12 and affecting the integrity of the energy spectrum information of the detected proton beam. A plurality of partitions 211 are spaced apart on these end plates 212. These partitions 211 extend along the second direction Y. Exemplarily, the thickness of the partition 211 is 1 mm, and its length along the second direction Y is 45 mm. The material of the partitions 211 is aluminum alloy or other metal materials, which can isolate the propagation of light and shield laser scattered light. It is readily understood that this application does not limit the material and size of the partitions 211; this application is merely illustrative and is not limited thereto. The stacked pieces in stack unit 22 are stacked sequentially on the partitions 211 of the first row along the incident direction of the proton beam, according to the order in Table 1. Then, several stack units 22 are arranged sequentially on the remaining partitions 211 according to the order of the first row. It should be understood that not every partition 211 necessarily needs to have stack units 22 arranged on it; they can be selectively arranged according to actual needs. Setting partitions 211 allows for better arrangement of stack units 22, preventing misalignment and scattering between stack units 22, which would affect the accuracy of the proton beam detection information by the detector spectrometer 100.
[0059] In some alternative embodiments, among the plurality of stack units 22 arranged along the second direction Y, at least one stack unit 22 has a metal part 221 connected to a partition 211, and the metal parts 221 connected to the partition 211 are spaced apart along the third direction Z. For example, in this application, aluminum sheets numbered 37, 57, 73, and 85 are pre-welded to the partition plate 211 of the first row in the stacked sheets arranged in the order of Table 1 along the second direction Y. Subsequently, aluminum sheets are pre-welded to the partition plate 211 of each row in accordance with the pattern of the first row. In this way, the assembly housing 21 forms several grids. Along the incident direction of the proton beam, the first grid of the first row stacks the stacked sheets numbered 1-36, the second grid stacks the stacked sheets numbered 38-56, the third grid stacks the stacked sheets numbered 58-72, the fourth grid stacks the stacked sheets numbered 74-84, and the fifth grid stacks the stacked sheets numbered 86-96. Subsequently, the grids of the remaining rows repeat the arrangement of the first row. These stacked units 22 are arrayed on the assembly housing 21, which can detect proton beams from different angles, so that the detector spectrometer 100 of this application has a certain one-dimensional angular resolution capability and can determine the continuity of the proton beam. In these optional embodiments, pre-welding the metal parts 221 can save stacking time of the stacking unit 22, ensure that the order is not wrong when stacking the stacking unit 22, improve the efficiency and accuracy of stacking the stacking unit 22, and also stabilize the assembled stack pieces, preventing misalignment or scattering of stack pieces from affecting the final analysis results. It is easy to understand that this application only illustrates by example that aluminum sheets numbered 37, 57, 73 and 85 are pre-welded to the partition plate 211. This application is not limited to this and can be adjusted according to the energy of the proton beam and other parameters, without making specific limitations.
[0060] In some optional embodiments, the assembly housing 21 further includes first sidewalls 213 disposed at both ends of the end plate 212 along a third direction Z. The first sidewalls 213 extend along a first direction X, and grooves 213a extending along the first direction X are formed on the first sidewalls 213. In these optional embodiments, the first sidewalls 213 are disposed at both ends of the assembly housing 21 along the third direction Z, i.e., the vertical direction of the assembly housing 21, to ensure the airtightness of the assembly housing 21 and prevent the emitted photons from escaping and affecting the accuracy of the energy spectrum information of the detected proton beam. Considering that the working environment of the detector spectrometer 100 is a vacuum and filled with scattered laser light, grooves 213a extending along the first direction X are formed on the first sidewalls 213 at both ends. This allows the air inside the detector spectrometer 100 to be discharged along the grooves 213a during vacuuming, ensuring a vacuum working environment and avoiding affecting the detection results of the proton beam. It is easy to understand that this application does not limit the shape and size of the grooves 213a, as long as excess gas inside the detector spectrometer 100 can be discharged.
[0061] In some optional embodiments, the assembly housing 21 further includes a light-shielding member 213b, which is disposed within the groove 213a. In this embodiment, the light-shielding member 213b is two spaced-apart aluminum sheets that prevent ambient laser light from leaking into the detector spectrometer 100 along the groove 213a and damaging the stack unit 22, thereby improving the service life of the stack unit 22. It is understood that this application is merely illustrative, and the light-shielding member 213b can be any light-shielding material, and the number of light-shielding members 213b can be adjusted according to the intensity of the laser light in the environment; this application does not impose any specific limitations.
[0062] In some optional embodiments, the assembly housing 21 further includes a second sidewall 214, with both ends of the second sidewall 214 connected to two opposing first sidewalls 213. The second sidewall 214 is connected to the end of the partition 211 away from the incident window 11. In these optional embodiments, when the assembly housing 21 is inserted into the base 1, the stack unit 22 is just exposed to the incident window 11, ensuring that the proton beam can be fully irradiated onto the stack unit 22, improving the integrity of the proton beam detected by the detector spectrometer 100. Moreover, the second sidewall 214 can just enclose the first sidewall 213 of the end plate 212 to ensure the internal airtightness of the assembly housing 21 when inserted into the base 1, preventing the emitted photons from escaping and affecting the accuracy of the detected proton beam information.
[0063] See also Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a detector spectrometer provided in the first aspect of this application.
[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the detector spectrometer 100 further includes a cover plate 4, which is slidably disposed with the base 1 to cover or open the incident window 11. In these optional embodiments, the cover plate 4 is slidably connected to the incident window 11 so that it fits snugly over the incident window 11. When the detector spectrometer 100 is operating, the cover plate 4 is opened to expose the stack unit 22 to the proton beam, and when the detector spectrometer 100 is not required to operate, the operator closes the cover plate 4 to protect the stack unit 22 from radiation exposure, thereby improving the service life of the stack unit 22.
[0065] In some optional embodiments, the detector spectrometer 100 further includes a moving platform 5 connected to the base 1. The moving platform 5 is used to adjust the movement of the base 1 along a first direction X and / or a third direction Z. In these optional embodiments, when the detector spectrometer 100 needs to operate, the incident window 11 can be aligned with the position where the proton beam is emitted by controlling the movement of the moving platform 5. This avoids the need for frequent opening of the vacuum chamber due to manual adjustment, which affects the accuracy of the proton beam information detected by the detector spectrometer 100. Setting the moving platform 5 also allows for more precise control of the moving distance of the detector spectrometer 100, improving the accuracy and flexibility of the movement of the detector spectrometer 100.
[0066] In some optional embodiments, the mobile platform 5 includes a guide rail 51 extending along a first direction X, and a base 1 slidably disposed on the guide rail 51. In this embodiment, the base 1 is slidably disposed on the guide rail 51, and the base 1 can be moved along the first direction X by controlling the guide rail 51 through a control device such as a computer. The range of movement is 300 mm, and the speed of movement is 5 mm / s. It is easy to understand that the range of movement and the speed can be adjusted according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific limitations.
[0067] In some optional embodiments, the mobile platform 5 further includes a telescopic rod 52, which extends along a third direction Z and is connected to the base 1. The telescopic rod 52 is capable of telescopic extension and retraction along the third direction Z. In this embodiment, the telescopic rod extends along the third direction Z, and the base 1 has a protrusion 13 extending along the third direction Z. The protrusion 13 can be fitted onto the telescopic rod 52. The protrusion 13 and the telescopic rod are coupled in a staggered manner and screwed on, thus controlling the base 1 to move up and down along the third direction Z. The range of movement is 50mm. It is easy to understand that the range of movement can be adjusted according to actual needs. The connection method between the base 1 and the telescopic rod can also be a simple riveting or other detachable connection method. The specific connection method is not limited in this application.
[0068] In some optional embodiments, the collection component includes an optical module 31 and a photosensor 32. The optical module 31 is mounted on the end of the base 1 away from the reaction component 2 and is used to collect photons. The photosensor 32 is connected to the optical module 31 and is used to record the distribution of photons.
[0069] In this embodiment, the optical module 31 is a microscope lens capable of collecting fluorescent photons excited by the stacked unit 22, while the photosensing component is a CCD industrial camera. The spatial distribution of the fluorescent photons collected by the microscope lens is imaged onto the CCD industrial camera. When the detector spectrometer 100 starts working, it sends a trigger signal to the CCD industrial camera, enabling the CCD industrial camera to capture and store the photon signal generated by the stacked unit 22, awaiting data processing. It is readily understood that this application does not limit the specific devices of the optical module 31 and the photosensing device 32; these are merely illustrative examples. Other devices could include a collecting camera or other industrial cameras; this application is not limited to these.
[0070] Specifically, during data processing, the grayscale values of the image are first converted into the number of detected photons using the relationship between grayscale values and photon counts. Then, a spectral analysis algorithm is used to convert the detected photon counts into a proton energy spectrum. Several spectral analysis algorithms are currently used, such as the Gauss-Newton least squares method, analytical methods, and maximum likelihood methods. The preferred method here is the Gauss-Newton least squares method, the specific algorithm of which is as follows:
[0071] f(E)=Aexp(-bE) (1)
[0072]
[0073] In the above formula, i represents the i-th unit in the i-th stack; Ni represents the i-th stack unit 22. The corresponding number of photons detected by the camera includes the number of photons emitted by scintillator 222b and acrylic plate 222a together; ni(E) represents the photon response matrix generated when a proton with energy E reaches the i-th stack unit 22, that is, the number of protons with energy E that are received by the camera when they produce fluorescence in the i-th stack unit 22; m is the maximum number of stack units 22 reached by the proton; this photon response matrix needs to be obtained through experiments and computer simulation; Eoi is the lower cutoff energy of the i-th stack unit 22, that is, the lowest energy corresponding to the proton reaching the scintillator 222b of the i-th stack unit 22; Ec is the cutoff energy of the entire energy spectrum, which needs to be determined in the experiment based on the maximum number of scintillators 222b that the proton can reach; f(E) is the distribution function of the proton energy spectrum, which is generally an exponential distribution, as described in equation (1); the objective function of the Gauss-Newton least squares method is equation (2). During the experiment, after the CCD camera captures the fluorescence photon signal, the Ni value can be obtained and then used to solve for the energy spectrum using the Gauss-Newton least squares algorithm. Since the Gauss-Newton least squares algorithm is a well-established algorithm, it will not be elaborated upon here. Before use, the CCD industrial camera needs to be calibrated. The main purpose of calibration is to find the one-to-one correspondence between the grayscale values of the captured images and the number of detected photons. Keeping the camera gain constant, the grayscale values and the number of detected photons have a linear relationship. Through calibration, different linear transformation functions of the CCD industrial camera under several camera gain values are obtained.
[0074] Continue reading Figure 5 In some optional embodiments, the detector spectrometer 100 further includes a mounting 6, one end of which is fitted onto the base 1 away from the reaction component 2, and the other end is fitted onto the optical module 31 away from the photosensor 32.
[0075] In these alternative embodiments, the detector spectrometer 100 also includes a photon attenuation filter 8 and a silicone element 33, because the photosensitive component cannot receive too many photons at a time, otherwise it will become saturated. Therefore, the photon attenuation filter 8 is provided to attenuate too many fluorescent photons to prevent the photosensitive component from becoming saturated and affecting the imaging function of the photosensitive component. Specifically, when assembling the acquisition component 3, the detector spectrometer 100 first places the photon attenuation filter 8 into the channel 12 on the side of the base 1 away from the reaction component 2, then sets the assembly 6 onto the base 1, then puts the optical module 31 onto the silicone part 33, and then inserts the optical module 31 into the base 1. That is, the optical module 31 is fixed by the friction between the silicone part 33 and the base 1. Finally, the photosensitive device 32 is connected to the optical module 31. Specifically, the connection method between the optical module 31 and the photosensitive device 32 can be a detachable connection method such as a threaded connection. For example, both the optical module 31 and the photosensitive device 32 are C-type, with the optical module 31 having an external thread and the photosensitive device 32 having an internal thread. The two are connected by threads, which facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement.
[0076] For example, the distance between the optical module 31 and the surface of the stack unit 22 is 143.2 mm, which is exactly the minimum working distance of the optical module 31, making the structure of the entire detector spectrometer 100 more compact. The horizontal field of view of the optical module 31 is 28.9°, and the vertical field of view is 21.8°, corresponding to a horizontal field of view size of 77 mm and a vertical field of view size of 57 mm. The spatial resolution of the imaging system composed of the optical module 31 and the photosensor 32 is 35 μm. The photosensor 32 with the C interface is connected to the optical module 31 with the C interface, and can transmit the recorded images to analysis equipment such as computers via network cable when the detector spectrometer 100 is working. The target surface size of the photosensor 32 is one inch. It is easy to understand that the above-mentioned various dimensional data are only exemplary descriptions of this application, and those skilled in the art can make adjustments according to actual needs. This application does not impose specific limitations. The optical module 31 and the light sensor 32 can both be C-mount or CS-mount, or one can be C-mount and the other can be CS-mount. For example, if the optical module 31 is C-mount and the light sensor 32 is CS-mount, a 5mm adapter ring is needed to ensure that the distance from the lens reference plane to the focal point is the optimal focal distance of 17.5mm. In practice, the distance can be adjusted according to the specific size data of the optical module 31 and the light sensor 32.
[0077] In some optional embodiments, the detector spectrometer 100 further includes a disassembly component 7, which includes a connecting ring 71 sleeved on the assembly 6 and a handle 72 connected to the connecting ring 71. In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the assembly 6 is arranged with several teeth, and the inner periphery of the connecting ring 71 of the disassembly component 7 is also arranged with several teeth that can mesh with the teeth of the assembly 6, facilitating the disassembly of the assembly 6. The handle extends in the third direction Z, and when it is necessary to disassemble the assembly 6, the operator can rotate the handle 72 to facilitate the disassembly of the assembly 6. The handle 72 improves the convenience of disassembling the disassembly component 7. It is easy to understand that the disassembly component 7 and the assembly 6 can be fixedly connected to make the entire detector spectrometer 100 structurally stable, or they can be detachably connected by bolts or other means to facilitate subsequent disassembly and maintenance. The specific connection method is not limited in this application.
[0078] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A detector spectrometer, characterized in that, The detector spectrometer includes: A base having an entrance window and a channel extending along a first direction; The reaction assembly includes an assembly housing and a plurality of stacked units. The assembly housing is at least partially housed within the channel. The plurality of stacked units are arranged in an array on the assembly housing. The stacked units are housed within the channel and exposed to the incident window. The stacked units are used to receive a proton beam incident from the incident window and to generate photons. The incident direction of the proton beam is the thickness direction of the stacked units, and the first direction intersects the incident direction of the proton beam. A collection component is disposed at the end of the channel away from the reaction component, and the collection component is used to collect the photons; In this arrangement, several stacked units are arranged along a second direction, and several stacked units are arranged along a third direction. Each stacked unit includes a metal component and a photon excitation component. The metal component and the photon excitation component of the several stacked units are arranged sequentially along the second direction. The photon excitation component can generate photons under the excitation of the proton beam. In the several stacked units arranged along the second direction, the thickness of the metal component gradually increases in the incident direction of the proton beam. The first direction and the second direction intersect, and the third direction intersects with the second direction.
2. The detector spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the stacked units arranged along the third direction, the metal parts have the same thickness.
3. The detector spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photon excitation components are all the same thickness.
4. The detector spectrometer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The assembly housing includes an end plate and a plurality of partitions, the plurality of partitions being spaced apart on the end plate along the third direction, and the plurality of stacking units being arranged on the partitions along the second direction.
5. The detector spectrometer according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the plurality of stack units arranged along the second direction, at least one metal component of the stack unit is connected to the partition, and the metal components connected to the partition are spaced apart along the third direction.
6. The detector spectrometer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The assembly housing further includes first sidewalls disposed at both ends of the end plate along the third direction, the first sidewalls extending along the first direction, and the first sidewalls having grooves extending along the first direction.
7. The detector spectrometer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The assembly housing also includes a light-shielding element disposed within the groove.
8. The detector spectrometer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The assembly housing also includes a second sidewall, the two ends of which are connected to two opposing first sidewalls, and the second sidewall is connected to the end of the partition away from the incident window.
9. The detector spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detector also includes a cover plate, which is slidably disposed with respect to the base to cover or open the incident window.
10. The detector spectrometer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detector also includes a mobile platform connected to the base, which is used to adjust the base to move along the first direction and / or the third direction.
11. The detector spectrometer according to claim 10, characterized in that, The mobile platform includes a guide rail that extends along the first direction, and the base is slidably disposed on the guide rail.
12. The detector spectrometer according to claim 10, characterized in that, The mobile platform also includes a telescopic rod that extends along the third direction and is connected to the base, and the telescopic rod is capable of telescoping along the third direction.
13. The detector spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition component includes: An optical module is sleeved on the end of the base away from the reaction component, and the optical module is used to collect the photons; A light-sensing device is connected to the optical module and is used to record the distribution of photons.
14. The detector spectrometer according to claim 13, characterized in that, The detector spectrometer also includes an assembly, one end of which is fitted onto the base away from the reaction component, and the other end of which is fitted onto the optical module away from the photosensor.
15. The detector spectrometer according to claim 14, characterized in that, The detector spectrometer also includes a disassembly component, which includes a connecting ring fitted onto the assembly and a handle connected to the connecting ring.
Citation Information
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