A BNCT beam shaper with self-detection function

Abstract

The present invention discloses a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function, wherein a shielding body is provided outside the beam shaper, an anti-leakage combined structure is provided inside the beam shaper, a neutron detector is installed inside the anti-leakage combined structure, and a non-straight-through seam lead-in hole is provided inside the shielding body; the cable harness of the neutron detector is electrically connected to an external readout device located outside the shielding body through the lead-in hole. The BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function has a high upper detection limit of the neutron detector, which is permanently integrated at any position and any part inside the beam shaper, and can realize real-time online detection. There is no need to disassemble the beam shaper later. The anti-leakage combined structure with a non-straight-through gap matching connection structure is adopted, which reduces the loss of neutron beam and reduces the risk of radiation leakage. The beam is not affected by the change of the radiation field and the volume of the detector, and the measurement result is more accurate and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function. Background Art

[0002] The existing universal beam shaping device is mainly composed of a moderator, a reflector, a thermal neutron filter layer, a gamma-ray filter layer, a collimator, and a back reflector. During the boron neutron capture therapy, the proton beam generated by the accelerator is transported through a proton pipeline, bombarded on the neutron target system to generate neutrons, and after being slowed down by the moderator, reflected by the reflector, filtered by the thermal neutron filter layer for thermal neutron components, and filtered by the gamma-ray filter layer for gamma-ray contamination, it is finally collimated by the collimator, passes through the neutron beam pipeline, and emits an epithermal neutron beam suitable for neutron therapy from the outlet of the beam shaping body.

[0003] The existing real-time monitoring scheme for neutron beams in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) devices is to place the beam shaper at the outer port of the detector and apply voltage after it is installed. During treatment, the patient's head or other parts are close to the collimator port detector, which is prone to electric shock and harm to the patient. In the existing scheme, the detector is installed at the collimator port later. In order to avoid damaging the collimator structure, it is generally fixed by gluing, which has the risk of falling off. The signal and power cords of the detector are exposed to the outside, affecting the aesthetics of the treatment room.

[0004] In addition, the detector is installed at the collimator port after the beam shaping body is designed. Due to the certain volume of the detector and surrounding bed equipment, the original stable neutron field will be disrupted, which will have a certain impact on the measurement results and treatment effects.

[0005] The prior art also uses a method of setting the detector inside the beam shaper, but it uses offline detection. During detection, the material needs to be taken out from the irradiation position and real-time monitoring cannot be performed, resulting in inaccurate detection results. There are also risks such as neutron loss and radiation leakage, and the operation is also inconvenient.

[0006] In addition, in the prior art, an ionization chamber and a scintillation detector are generally arranged inside a beam shaper to achieve detection.

[0007] The ionization chamber is relatively large in size, and its installation position inside the beam shaper cannot be arbitrarily selected. The excessive size will seriously disrupt the original neutron field, resulting in inaccurate measurement structure. As the neutron flux increases, the required ionization chamber volume becomes larger and larger, and there is a detection upper limit. For most high-flux positions in the beam shaper, the ionization chamber has reached the measurement upper limit when it cannot measure the real data, and is not suitable for high-flux environments; the ionization chamber is filled with gas, the density is relatively low, the detection material is easily consumed, the irradiation time is too long, and the measurement results are increasingly inaccurate. The ionization chamber needs to be connected to high voltage, and it is extremely dangerous if it is placed outside or close to the patient.

[0008] Although scintillation detectors can be used for neutron dose detection, the background noise of gamma rays is particularly large and is not suitable for neutron measurement in mixed neutron and gamma fields such as neutron capture therapy. The volume of scintillation detectors is also more than several centimeters, and they also have the same problems as ionization chambers due to their large volume.

[0009] In the prior art, the detectors installed inside the beam shaper still have problems such as difficulty in calibration. Each time calibration is performed, the beam shaper needs to be disassembled, the metal parts taken out, and then the results are detected by a high-purity germanium detector. The activated calibration metal parts are radioactive, which poses an irradiation risk to the workers. Frequent disassembly of the beam shaper affects the accuracy and collimation of the beam shaper, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Moreover, the components of the beam shaper are radioactive under long-term irradiation, which poses a danger to the workers during disassembly.

[0010] Based on the above problems, it is urgent to design a BNCT beam shaper with a high detection upper limit, which can be permanently installed at any position and any part inside the beam shaper, and has an integrated structure with the beam shaper to achieve real-time online detection. There is no need to disassemble the beam shaper later, and the original neutron field of the beam shaper will not be affected by the setting of the detector. It can effectively reduce beam loss and effectively prevent the influence of neutron radiation on the outside of the beam shaper. Summary of the invention

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems that the existing detector is set outside the collimator, which disturbs the stability of the neutron field, easily causes risks such as electric shock and harm to patients, and the detector is fixed by pasting, which may cause it to fall off. In addition, the detector in the prior art is set inside the beam shaping body, but offline detection is adopted. During detection, the material needs to be taken out from the irradiation position, and real-time monitoring cannot be performed. A BNCT beam shaping body with a self-detection function is provided, in which the sub-detector has a high detection upper limit and is permanently integrated at any position and any part inside the beam shaping body, so that real-time online detection can be realized. There is no need to disassemble the beam shaping body later, and the beam is not affected by changes in the radiation field and the volume of the detector. The measurement result is more accurate and reliable, avoiding the risk of electric shock to patients and the risk of detector falling off. At the same time, the cable harness of the detector is led out to the dedicated control room of the detector, without passing through the treatment room side, and will not interfere with normal treatment, thereby improving the treatment effect and aesthetics in the treatment room.

[0012] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to achieve its inventive purpose is: a BNCT beam shaping body with a self-detection function, a shielding body is provided outside the beam shaping body, an anti-leakage combined structure is provided inside the beam shaping body, a neutron detector is installed inside the anti-leakage combined structure, and a non-straight-through seam lead-in channel is provided inside the shielding body; the cable harness of the neutron detector is electrically connected to an external readout device located outside the shielding body through the lead-in channel. The BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function is provided with a leakage-proof combined structure that can effectively prevent neutron radiation on the beam shaper, and a neutron detector is integrated inside the leakage-proof combined structure, so that the neutron detector and the beam shaper form an integral structure. After the beam shaper is manufactured, there is no need to set up a detector externally, and online real-time detection can be achieved during the patient treatment process, thereby continuously correcting the neutron dose concerned by the detector detection result within a specified period of the metal neutron activation method, thereby achieving calibration with the clinical treatment dose. Since the neutron detector is integrated inside the beam shaper, the beam is not affected by changes in the radiation field and the volume of the detector, and the measurement result is more accurate and reliable. At the same time, when designing the integrated neutron detector, in order to facilitate the integrated setting of the neutron detector and prevent neutron radiation, a leak-proof combined structure that can effectively prevent neutron radiation is set on the beam shaping body, and a non-straight-through seam lead-in hole is set on the shielding body. The cable harness of the neutron detector is electrically connected to the external readout device located outside the shielding body through the lead-in hole. Through the leak-proof combined structure and the non-straight-through seam lead-in hole on the shielding body, the beam shaping bodies and the beam shaping bodies and the outside of the shielding body are connected without straight-through gaps, which effectively prevents the leakage of neutron radiation, can ensure the safety of treatment, and improve the accuracy of measurement results. The detector cable harness is led out to the external readout device, and the external readout device can be independent of the additional room outside the treatment room, which will not affect the aesthetics of the treatment room due to the presence of additional detectors, nor will it cause electric shock hazards to patients due to the exposure of wires. The external readout device is connected to the neutron detector to observe the detection data in real time and record and analyze the monitored neutron beam information. Placing the beam shaper inside the shield can further reduce beam loss and reduce the risk of radiation leakage.

[0013] Preferably, the anti-leakage combined structure is a concave-convex nested structure. In order to facilitate the integration of the neutron detector in the main assembly of the rectifying and shaping body, the main assembly of the beam shaping body generally adopts a combined structure. At the same time, in order to prevent the leakage of neutron radiation, the combined structure is set as a non-straight-through gap structure of the anti-leakage combined structure. As a preferred solution, the anti-leakage combined structure can be a concave-convex nested structure, that is, the main assembly of the beam shaping body where the neutron detector is set is divided into two parts, one part is provided with a concave embedded structure, and the other part is provided with a convex embedded structure. The concave and convex structures are nested with each other, thereby forming a non-straight-through gap structure. Since there is no straight-through gap on the beam shaping body, the beam loss can be effectively reduced, and the influence of neutron radiation on the outside of the beam shaping body can also be effectively prevented. The neutron detector can be set in a concave part or a convex part, and the electronic and electrical cable harness of the neutron detector is led out of the beam shaping body through the gap of the concave-convex nested structure, and then connected to the external independently set readout device, which is convenient for real-time online understanding of the detection situation.

[0014] Preferably, the anti-leakage combined structure is a stepped combined structure. As another preferred embodiment, the anti-leakage combined structure may also adopt a stepped combined structure, that is, the beam shaping body is arranged in two parts, one part is provided with a concave one-level or multi-level stepped structure, and the other part is provided with a convex one-level or multi-level stepped structure, the concave and convex stepped structures are docked and matched with each other to form a non-straight-through gap structure. Since there is no straight-through gap on the beam shaping body, the beam loss can be effectively reduced, and the influence of neutron radiation on the outside of the beam shaping body can also be effectively prevented. The neutron detector can be arranged on the concave step structure or on the convex step structure, and the electronic and electrical cable harness of the neutron detector is led out of the beam shaping body through the gap of the stepped combined structure, and then connected to the external independently arranged readout device, so as to facilitate the real-time online understanding of the detection situation.

[0015] Preferably, the anti-leakage combined structure is a labyrinth combined structure. As another preferred solution, the anti-leakage combined structure can also adopt a labyrinth combined structure, that is, the beam shaping body is set as two parts, each of which is provided with a docking surface that can be staggered and docked to form a labyrinth structure, so as to form a non-straight-through gap structure at the joint. Since there is no straight-through gap on the beam shaping body, the beam loss can be effectively reduced, and the influence of neutron radiation on the outside of the beam shaping body can also be effectively prevented. The neutron detector can be set on any docking surface of the labyrinth structure, and the electronic and electrical cable harness of the neutron detector is led out of the beam shaping body through the gap of the labyrinth combined structure, and then connected to the external independently set readout device, so as to facilitate the real-time online understanding of the detection situation.

[0016] Preferably, the anti-leakage combined structure is formed between the beam shaping body main component 1 and the beam shaping body main component 2 which are arranged in a split manner. In order to facilitate the integrated arrangement of the neutron detector, the beam shaping body where the neutron detector needs to be installed is arranged into two parts, namely, the beam shaping body main component 1 and the beam shaping body main component 2, thereby realizing the formation of the anti-leakage combined structure.

[0017] Preferably, detector mounting holes are provided on the beam shaping body main component 1 or / and the beam shaping body main component 2, and the sides of the detector mounting holes are slotted outward and extend to form non-straight-through seam-type cable harness holes, and the cable harness holes pass through the beam shaping body and are connected to the lead-in channel. Detector mounting holes are provided on either or both of the beam shaping body main component 1 and the beam shaping body main component 2 according to the number of neutron detectors to be integrated, and non-straight-through seam-type cable harness holes are provided on the sides of the detector mounting holes, so as to facilitate the lead-out of the power line, signal line and other cable harnesses of the neutron detector while reducing the risk of beam loss and radiation leakage.

[0018] Preferably, the beam shaping body includes a plurality of components, and the beam shaping body main component 1 and the beam shaping body main component 2 are two parts of the same component in the beam shaping body. According to the requirements of the integrated design position of the neutron detector, the beam shaping body main component 1 and the beam shaping body main component 2 can be two parts of the same component, that is, the same component is divided into two parts.

[0019] Preferably, the components are a moderator, a reflector, a thermal neutron filter layer, a gamma-ray filter layer, a collimator and / or a back reflector; the beam shaping body main component one and the beam shaping body main component two are respectively two parts of the moderator; or two parts of the reflector; or two parts of the thermal neutron filter layer; or two parts of the gamma-ray filter layer; or two parts of the collimator; or two parts of the back reflector. Since the properties of the neutron beam (energy spectrum, flux, angular distribution, etc.) generated by the proton beam bombarding the neutron target system are stable and unchanged, after being shaped and moderated by the fixed structure beam shaping body, the properties of the neutron beam (energy spectrum, flux, angular distribution, etc.) emitted from the beam shaping body outlet must also be determined, so there is a definite functional mapping relationship between the neutron beam generated by the neutron target system and the neutron beam emitted from the beam shaping body outlet; similarly, if the materials of each part of the beam shaping body and their relative positions do not change, the neutron beam information at any depth and any position of each component material of the beam shaping body is uniquely determined, and there is also a definite mapping relationship between the neutron beam generated by the neutron target system and the neutron beam emitted from the beam shaping body outlet. Based on this principle, the neutron detector is selected to be installed at any position of any component inside the beam shaping body, and the beam shaping body includes but is not limited to the moderator, reflector, thermal neutron filter layer, gamma ray filter layer, collimator and back reflector. If the beam shaping body has a special design and other functional components are added, adaptive installation can also be performed. Therefore, the beam shaping body main component 1 and the beam shaping body main component 2 can be two parts of any one of the above components. Both can meet the requirements of accurate and real-time online detection of neutron detectors.

[0020] Preferably, the beam shaper includes a plurality of components, and the beam shaper main component 1 and the beam shaper main component 2 are two different adjacent components in the beam shaper. As another preferred solution, the beam shaper main component 1 and the beam shaper main component 2 can also be two different adjacent components in the beam shaper. According to the combined installation position of the beam shaper, the beam shaper main component 1 and the beam shaper main component 2 can be components at any adjacent position among the back reflector, the moderator, the reflector, the thermal neutron filter layer, the gamma ray filter layer, and the collimator.

[0021] Preferably, the neutron detector is a diamond detector. 6 LiF solid neutron converter coating, compared to BF 3 Gas BF in ionization chamber detectors such as counter tubes 3 ,solid 6 LiF itself has a high atomic density and a lower reaction cross section with neutrons, so after being irradiated by neutrons, the solid 6 LiF consumption is much less than gas BF 3, which can be ignored during the service life of the detector, and no auxiliary correction components are required. Diamond detectors are used. Diamond detectors are extremely compact and are used to measure neutrons in limited spaces. The detection limit is extremely high. The surface of diamond is coated with 6LiF solid neutron converter coating, and the consumption during the detection process is negligible; it has high neutron detection efficiency, is less affected by the environment, and has a very small sensitive volume (1mm2). In theory, it can be installed at any position inside the beam shaper. The neutron detector uses a diamond detector, which has a very small volume and a high detection limit. It can be permanently installed at any position (high flux, low flux, neutron gamma mixing area) and any part (not limited to reflectors, moderators, filters, collimators) in the beam shaper, and multiple detectors can be installed at the same time, and the results of several detectors can verify each other. The measurement results are more accurate and simple.

[0022] Preferably, at least one neutron detector is provided. The number of neutron detectors can be one or more according to detection needs.

[0023] Preferably, an offline calibration detector is also included, and the offline calibration detector is placed outside the beam shaper. After the design of the beam shaper is completed, online real-time monitoring can be achieved, and there is no need to disassemble the beam shaper later; the calibration scheme uses an offline detector, which can be placed anywhere in the treatment room without danger. And because of the stability of the diamond detector, frequent calibration is not required. At the same time, the use of offline detectors for flux measurement is a necessary part of the clinical QA process. The calibration process can be completed synchronously during the QA process, and the process logic is smoother.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: compared with the real-time monitoring scheme of the external detector of the neutron beam of the existing BNCT device, the BNCT beam shaping body of the present invention integrates the neutron detector inside the main assembly of the rectifying shaping body, so that the measurement results are more accurate and the measurement process is safer. It effectively solves the disadvantage of the detector being pasted on the outside of the collimator outlet in the traditional scheme, avoiding the risk of electric shock to the patient; the detector is fixed inside the beam shaping body through the tooling components, and there is no risk of falling off; the anti-leakage combined structure of the non-straight-through gap matching connection structure is adopted to reduce the loss of neutron beam and reduce the risk of radiation leakage. The cable harnesses such as the signal and power lines of the integrated neutron detector are led out to the dedicated control room of the detector through the non-straight-through gap structure and the reserved holes and grooves inside the shielding body, without passing through the treatment room side, which improves the aesthetics of the treatment room. The beam shaping body is integrated with the detector as a whole, the beam is not affected by the change of the radiation field and the volume of the detector, and the measurement results are more accurate and reliable.

[0025] The neutron detector uses a diamond detector, which is extremely small and has a high detection limit. It can be permanently installed in any position (high flux, low flux, neutron gamma mixing area) or any part (reflector, moderator, filter, collimator) in the beam shaper. In addition, multiple detectors can be installed at the same time. The results of several detectors can verify each other, making the measurement results more accurate and simple.

[0026] The beam shaper and detector are integrated into a design to form a beam shaper with self-detection function. The split structure of the beam shaper and the integrated detector combine the effects of the detector volume and material to meet the requirements of the clinical treatment standards for the exit beam.

[0027] Once the beam shaper is designed, online real-time monitoring can be achieved, and there is no need to disassemble the beam shaper later; the calibration scheme also uses offline detectors (such as single-ball or multi-ball neutron spectrometers, etc., without cables), which can be placed anywhere in the treatment room without danger. And because of the stability of the diamond detector, frequent calibration is not required. At the same time, the use of offline detectors for flux measurement is a necessary part of the clinical QA process. The calibration process can be completed synchronously during the QA process, and the process logic is smoother. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the beam shaping body main component 1 and the beam shaping body main component 2 in the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in Example 2 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in Example 3 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in Example 4 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 It is another structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in Example 4 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in Example 6 of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 9It is a structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in Example 7 of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.10 It is a structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in Example 8 of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.11 It is a structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in Example 9 of the present invention.

[0039] Fig.12 It is a structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in Example 10 of the present invention.

[0040] Fig.13 It is a structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in Example 11 of the present invention.

[0041] Fig.14 It is a structural schematic diagram of the anti-leakage combined structure in Example 12 of the present invention.

[0042] In the figure: 1, moderator, 2, reflector, 3, thermal neutron filter, 4, gamma ray filter, 5, collimator, 6, neutron target system, 7, neutron beam pipeline, 8, proton pipeline, 9, beam shaping body outlet, 10, back reflector, 11, neutron detector, 12, shielding body, 13, lead hole, 14, cable harness, 15, external readout device, 16, detector installation hole, 17, cable harness hole, 18, beam shaping body main component one, 19, beam shaping body main component two, 20, reflector one, 21, reflector two, 22, reflector internal component one, 23, reflector internal component two, 24, offline calibration detector, 25, replenishment of moderator;

[0043] 50. Collimator 1, 51. Collimator 2,

[0044] 100. Beam shaping body. 200. Anti-leakage combined structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The various aspects of the present invention are described in detail below through specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Embodiment 1:

[0047] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function includes a beam shaper 100, a shielding body 12 is arranged outside the beam shaper 100, a leakage-proof combined structure 200 is arranged in any component and any position inside the beam shaper 100 as required, a neutron detector 11 that can be permanently installed is installed inside the leakage-proof combined structure 200, and a non-straight-through seam lead-in channel 13 is arranged inside the shielding body 12; the cable harness of the neutron detector 11 is electrically connected to an external readout device 15 located outside the shielding body 12 through the lead-in channel 13.

[0048] The anti-leakage combined structure 200 can be set as a concave-convex nested structure, or a one-level or multi-level stepped combined structure, or any other non-straight-through gap combined structure such as a labyrinth combined structure. In view of the straight-line radiation characteristics of the rays, in order to reduce the loss of the neutron beam and the leakage of radiation, while meeting the requirements of the integrated design of the neutron detector, the anti-leakage combined structure 200 in the form of a non-straight-through gap is set on the beam shaping body.

[0049] The beam shaping body 100 includes but is not limited to a moderator 1, a reflector 2, a thermal neutron filter layer 3, a gamma ray filter layer 4, a collimator 5, a back reflector 10, etc. The moderator 1 can be a combination of multiple moderator parts or an integral structure. The reflector 2 and the back reflector 10 can also be an integrated structure.

[0050] A neutron detector mounting hole 16 and a cable harness hole groove 17 of a non-through seam structure connected to the detector mounting hole 16 are provided inside the beam shaping body 100. All detector cable harnesses 14 and electronic processing components are led out to an additional room, so that the aesthetics of the treatment room will not be affected by the presence of additional detectors, and the exposed wires will not cause electric shock hazards to patients.

[0051] The neutron detector 11 is installed inside the neutron detector installation hole 16. The cable harness 14 on the neutron detector 11 is guided out from the cable harness hole groove 17 of the non-straight-through seam structure, and is led out through the lead channel 13 inside the shielding body 12 to be connected to the external monitoring equipment, so that real-time monitoring of the neutron beam can be achieved during treatment.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the anti-leakage combined structure 200 is formed between the beam shaping body main component 18 and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 which are arranged in a split type, and the anti-leakage combined structure 200 between the beam shaping body main component 18 and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 is combined with a concave-convex nested structure.

[0053] The detector installation hole 16 is arranged on the beam shaping body main component 1 18 and / or the beam shaping body main component 2 19, and the side of the detector installation hole 16 is slotted outward and extends to form a non-straight-through seam cable harness hole 17. The cable harness hole 17 passes through the beam shaping body and communicates with the lead channel 13.

[0054] The beam shaper 1000 includes multiple components. The beam shaper main component 18 and the beam shaper main component 2 19 can represent two parts of the same component in the beam shaper. For example, the beam shaper main component 18 and the beam shaper main component 2 19 can be respectively part of the back reflector, part of the moderator, part of the reflector, part of the filter layer, part of the collimator, etc., and the design is specifically based on the setting position of the neutron detector.

[0055] The beam shaping body main component 18 and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 can also represent two different adjacent components in the beam shaping body, for example, the beam shaping body main component 18 and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 can be a back reflector and a moderator, respectively; they can also be a moderator and a thermal neutron filter layer, respectively; they can also be a thermal neutron filter layer and a gamma filter layer, respectively; they can also be a gamma filter layer and a collimator, etc. The beam shaping body main component 18 and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 are only reference names and are not specifically limited. For example, when both are selected as a moderator and a thermal neutron filter layer, the beam shaping body main component 18 can be a moderator or a thermal neutron filter layer, and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 can be a thermal neutron filter layer or a moderator.

[0056] In this embodiment, the beam shaping body main assembly 18 and the beam shaping body main assembly 2 19 represent two parts of the same component in the beam shaping body, and preferably the beam shaping body main assembly 18 and the beam shaping body main assembly 2 19 are respectively a part of the moderator 1. The beam shaping body main assembly 18 and the beam shaping body main assembly 2 19 are only reference names and are not specifically limited, that is, the beam shaping body main assembly 18 can be the left part of the moderator or the right part, and the beam shaping body main assembly 2 19 can be the right part of the moderator or the left part.

[0057] The neutron detector 11 is integrated into the beam shaper 100 to form a beam shaper with a self-detection function. The beam shaper structure is specially processed to match the detector. Taking into account the detector volume and material, the outlet beam can still meet the clinical treatment standard.

[0058] Once the design of the beam shaping body integrated with the neutron controller is completed, online real-time monitoring can be realized, and there is no need to disassemble the beam shaping body subsequently.

[0059] At the same time, if Fig.12 As shown, the calibration scheme can use an offline calibration detector 24 (such as a single-ball or multi-ball neutron spectrometer, etc., without cables), which can be placed anywhere in the treatment room without danger. And because of the stability of the diamond detector, frequent calibration is not required. At the same time, using an offline detector for flux measurement as an essential part of the clinical QA process can complete the calibration process synchronously during the QA process, and the process logic is smoother.

[0060] In this embodiment, the metal neutron activation method is combined with an active detector to realize online real-time detection by the active detector. The metal neutron activation method stipulates a periodic continuous correction of the detector detection result, and the measurement item of concern is the neutron dose, so that the measurement item of the neutron dose can be calibrated with the clinical treatment dose.

[0061] In this embodiment, the neutron detector 11 is a diamond detector which is integrated inside the beam shaping body 100 and connected to the external readout device 15 of the external neutron detector, performs online real-time detection through the diamond detector, and performs neutron flux detection in conjunction with the beam shaping body structure.

[0062] The external readout device 15 is an electronic component, an electronic component, a readout electronic system, an electronic module, etc. It is a device that processes the particle signal detected by the detector into a digital signal and reads it out through multiple signal processing units in accordance with certain specifications. For different detection scenarios, different electronic components can be selected and combined into a specific electronic system. Common electronic system components include preamplifiers, main amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, multi-channel analyzers, and display control computers, etc., and a combination of multiple components can be selected for different detection scenarios. The function of the preamplifier is to increase the signal from the detector, improve the signal-to-noise ratio, and suppress the influence of external interference signals; the function of the main amplifier is to convert the signal from the preamplifier into a pulse shape suitable for recording and amplify the signal; the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is to convert a continuous analog signal into a discrete digital signal so that the digital system can process, store and transmit it; the multi-channel analyzer is an instrument for processing the amplitude distribution of pulse signals, which can classify the pulse signals according to the amplitude and record the number of each type of signal, and finally connect to the computer, and the computer performs data analysis and processing (calculation, analysis, display, storage, printing, control, etc.).

[0063] Diamond detectors are used. Diamond detectors are extremely compact and are used to measure neutrons in limited spaces. The detection limit is extremely high. 6LiF solid neutron converter coating, the consumption during the detection process is negligible; it has high neutron detection efficiency, is less affected by the environment, and has a very small sensitive volume (1mm 2 ), theoretically, it can be installed at any position inside the beam shaper. It can be permanently installed at any position (high flux, low flux, neutron gamma mixing area) and any part (reflector, moderator, filter, collimator) inside the beam shaper, and multiple detectors can be installed at the same time, and the results of several detectors can verify each other. The measurement results are more accurate and simple.

[0064] Embodiment 2:

[0065] exist Figure 1 , Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function includes a beam shaper 100, a shielding body 12 is arranged outside the beam shaper 100, a leakage-proof combined structure 200 is arranged in any component and any position inside the beam shaper 100 as required, a neutron detector 11 that can be permanently installed is installed inside the leakage-proof combined structure 200, and a non-straight-through seam lead-in channel 13 is arranged inside the shielding body 12; the cable harness of the neutron detector 11 is electrically connected to an external readout device 15 located outside the shielding body 12 through the lead-in channel 13.

[0066] A BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function comprises a beam shaper 100, a shielding body 12 is arranged outside the beam shaper 100, a leakage-proof combined structure 200 is arranged in any component and any position inside the beam shaper 100 as required, a neutron detector 11 that can be permanently installed is installed inside the leakage-proof combined structure 200, and a non-straight-through seam lead-in channel 13 is arranged inside the shielding body 12; the cable harness of the neutron detector 11 is electrically connected to an external readout device 15 located outside the shielding body 12 through the lead-in channel 13.

[0067] The beam shaping body includes multiple components, and the beam shaping body 100 includes but is not limited to a moderator 1, a reflector 2, a thermal neutron filter layer 3, a gamma ray filter layer 4, a collimator 5, a back reflector 10, and the like.

[0068] A neutron detector mounting hole 16 and a cable harness hole groove 17 of a non-straight-through slot structure communicating with the detector mounting hole 16 are provided inside the beam shaping body 100. The side edge of the detector mounting hole 16 is slotted outward and extends to form a non-straight-through slot cable harness hole groove 17. The cable harness hole groove 17 passes through the beam shaping body and communicates with the lead-in hole 13.

[0069] The beam shaping body 100 is arranged inside the shielding body 12 around the beam shaping body. Interconnected lead-throughs 13 are respectively arranged inside the beam shaping body and the shielding body 12, and neutron detector power lines, signal lines, power lines, signal lines and other cable harnesses 14 are arranged inside the lead-throughs 13. One end of the cable harness 14 is connected to the neutron detector 11, and the other end is connected to the external readout device 15 of the corresponding neutron detector to record and analyze the monitored neutron beam information.

[0070] During the boron neutron capture therapy, the proton beam generated by the accelerator is transported through the proton pipe 8, bombards the neutron target system 6 to generate neutrons, and after being moderated by the moderator 1, reflected by the reflector 2, filtered by the thermal neutron filter layer 3 for thermal neutron components, and filtered by the gamma ray filter layer 4 for gamma ray contamination, it is finally collimated by the collimator 5, passes through the neutron beam pipe 7, and emits an epithermal neutron beam suitable for neutron therapy from the beam shaping body outlet 9.

[0071] Since the properties of the neutron beam (energy spectrum, flux, angular distribution, etc.) generated by the proton beam bombarding the neutron target system 6 are stable and unchanged, the properties of the neutron beam (energy spectrum, flux, angular distribution, etc.) emitted from the beam shaping body outlet 9 must also be determined after being shaped and slowed down by the beam shaping body with a fixed structure. Therefore, there is a definite functional mapping relationship between the neutron beam generated by the neutron target system 6 and the neutron beam emitted from the beam shaping body outlet 9; similarly, under the premise that the materials of the various parts of the beam shaping body and their relative positions do not change, the neutron beam information at any depth and any position of the various components of the beam shaping body is uniquely determined, and there is also a definite mapping relationship between the neutron beam generated by the neutron target system 6 and the neutron beam emitted from the beam shaping body outlet 9.

[0072] Based on the above principle, the neutron detector 11 is selected to be installed at any position of any component inside the beam shaper, including but not limited to the moderator 1, the reflector 2, the thermal neutron filter layer 3, the gamma ray filter layer 4, the collimator 5, the back reflector 10, etc. If the beam shaper has a special design and other functional components are added, it can also be adaptively installed.

[0073] The shielding body 12 is arranged around the beam shaping body 100, which is generally a concrete wall. The neutron detector power line, signal line, and cable harness 14 such as the power line and signal line are connected to the neutron detector 11, and are led out through the cable harness hole slots 17 and the anti-leakage combined structure 200 on each component of the beam shaping body, and after passing through the shielding body 12, they are connected to the external reading device 15 of the corresponding neutron detector to record and analyze the monitored neutron beam information. The external reading device 15 of the neutron detector is placed in an independent control room, and the neutron detector power line, signal line and other cable harnesses 14 are directly introduced into the control room through the lead-in channel in the shielding body 12 around the beam shaping body without passing through the treatment room side.

[0074] In the present embodiment, a detector mounting hole 16 suitable for detector installation is reserved on the beam shaping body 100, and the neutron detector 11 is fastened to the detector mounting hole 16 by a tooling; in order to ensure the sealing of the component and prevent neutron leakage, the beam shaping body 100 on which the detector is installed is adaptively designed, and the beam shaping body 100 where the neutron detector needs to be installed is arranged in a split type into a beam shaping body main component 18 and a beam shaping body main component 2 19.

[0075] The beam shaping body main component 18 and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 can represent two parts of the same component in the beam shaping body, such as a moderator, or can represent two different adjacent components in the beam shaping body, such as the beam shaping body main component 18 can be a thermal neutron filter layer 3, and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 can be a gamma ray filter layer 4.

[0076] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the beam shaping body main component 18 and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 are combined together through a stepped combination structure.

[0077] The detector mounting hole 16 can be set on the beam shaping body main component 1 18, can also be set on the beam shaping body main component 2 19, and can also be set on the beam shaping body main component 1 18 and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 at the same time.

[0078] In this embodiment, the detector mounting hole 16 is arranged in the beam shaping body main body component 18, and a cable harness hole groove 17 is opened on the side of the detector mounting hole 16. The cable harness hole groove 17 adopts a stepped hole groove. When the beam shaping body main body component 2 is combined with the beam shaping body main body component 1, the leakage-proof combined structure 200 formed is also used for leading out the cable harness 14 such as the power line and signal line of the detector.

[0079] The cable harness hole 17 and the detector mounting hole 16 form a non-straight-through slot opening on the beam shaping body main component 18. With this opening mode, after the beam shaping body main component 18 and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 are assembled, there is no straight-through slot on the beam shaping body 100, which can effectively reduce beam loss and reduce the risk of radiation leakage.

[0080] In other embodiments, according to the installation differences of the neutron detector 11 on different components and different positions on the beam shaping body, the installation method and slotting method of each component can be adjusted accordingly.

[0081] Embodiment 3:

[0082] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function is basically the same as that of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, except that:

[0083] The beam shaping body main body component 1 18 and the beam shaping body main body component 2 19 may represent two parts of the same component. For example, the beam shaping body main body component 1 18 is the reflector 1 20 , and the beam shaping body main body component 2 19 is the reflector 2 21 .

[0084] Figure 5 An installation scheme of a neutron detector 11 installed on a reflector 2 is shown, wherein the reflector includes a reflector 1 20 and a reflector 2 21, and the reflector 1 20 and the reflector 2 21 adopt a stepped combination structure to form a leakage-proof combination structure 200, and a cable harness hole groove 17 with a stepped structure is opened on the side.

[0085] Embodiment 4:

[0086] exist Figure 6 , Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function is basically the same as that of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, except that:

[0087] Other more complex installation schemes may involve the assembly of multiple materials and components. When the neutron detector 11 is installed at a deeper position inside the reflector 2, it will involve the split assembly of reflector internal component 1 22 and reflector internal component 2 23. Similarly, reflector internal component 1 22 and reflector internal component 2 23 adopt a stepped combination structure to form a leak-proof combination structure 200. Detector mounting holes 16 and cable harness holes 17 are opened on reflector internal component 1 22. The neutron detector 11 is fixed inside the detector mounting hole 16, and its cable harness 14 is led out through the cable harness hole 17.

[0088] At the same time, in order to ensure the principle of no straight-through seams, the outer reflector 2 still needs to be assembled in a nested manner by the reflector 1 20 and the reflector 2 21 , and the relevant cable harnesses are led out along the splicing gap.

[0089] Embodiment 5:

[0090] In this embodiment, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function is provided, and its specific solution is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, except that:

[0091] More specifically, for some special installation positions, it is necessary to make adaptive modifications to the components involved, such as directly nesting the reflector 2 and the back reflector 10 in a concave-convex shape, and opening a cable harness hole groove 17 with a multi-step structure according to the concave-convex shape of the components and the detector installation hole position 16 of the neutron detector 11. However, the basic principle should be a multi-component concave-convex nested structure and a multi-step structure cable harness hole groove 17 to ensure that after the components are assembled, there is no straight seam between the detector installation hole position 16 and the outside of the beam shaping body.

[0092] Embodiment 6:

[0093] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function is basically the same as that of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, except that:

[0094] Since the neutron beam generated by the neutron target system 6 is distributed uniformly in the radial direction, it can be considered that the neutron beam intensity at the same radial distance is basically the same. Generally, multiple neutron detectors 11 need to be arranged equidistantly in the radial direction, and the results of multiple neutron detectors 11 can be compared and corrected with each other.

[0095] Embodiment 7:

[0096] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function is basically the same as that of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, except that:

[0097] The neutron detector 11 is arranged inside the collimator 5. Specifically, the collimator 5 is divided into a collimator 1 50 and a collimator 2 51. The beam shaping body main assembly 1 18 and the beam shaping body main assembly 2 19 are collimator 1 50 and collimator 2 51 respectively. The collimator 1 50 and the collimator 2 51 are formed into a leak-proof combined structure 200 by using a concave-convex interlocking type. A detector mounting hole 16 and a non-straight-through seam cable harness hole groove 17 are arranged inside the collimator 1 50, and the neutron detector 11 is fixed inside the detector mounting hole 16. The cable harness of the neutron detector 11 is led out through the non-straight-through seam cable harness hole groove 17 and the concave-convex interlocking type combined structure.

[0098] Embodiment 8:

[0099] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment shown, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function is basically the same as that of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, except that:

[0100] The beam shaping body main component 18 and the beam shaping body main component 2 19 are respectively a thermal neutron filter layer 3 and a gamma ray filter layer 4. The thermal neutron filter layer 3 and the gamma ray filter layer 4 are formed into a leak-proof combined structure 200 by adopting a concave-convex mosaic type. Detector mounting holes 16 and cable harness holes 17 are respectively arranged in the thermal neutron filter layer 3, and the neutron detector 11 is fixed inside the detector mounting hole 16. The cable harness of the neutron detector 11 is led out through the non-straight-through seam cable harness hole 17 and the concave-convex mosaic leak-proof combined structure 200.

[0101] Embodiment 9:

[0102] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment shown, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function is basically the same as that of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, except that:

[0103] The beam shaping body 100 further includes a supplementary moderator 25 disposed inside the back reflector and connected to the moderator. The supplementary moderator 25 is configured as a supplementary moderator 1 and a supplementary moderator 2, and the supplementary moderator 1 and the supplementary moderator 2 adopt a labyrinth-type combined structure to form a leak-proof combined structure 200, and a detector installation hole 16 and a non-straight-through seam-type cable harness hole groove 17 are provided inside the supplementary moderator 1, and the neutron detector 11 is fixed inside the detector installation hole 16, and the cable harness of the neutron detector 11 is led out through the non-straight-through seam-type cable harness hole groove 17 and the concave-convex interlocking combined structure.

[0104] Embodiment 10:

[0105] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment shown, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function is basically the same as that of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, except that:

[0106] When designing a beam shaper equipped with a neutron detector 11, the impact of the integrated detector on the beam properties and the neutron radiation field distribution should be considered. The neutron detector 11 is also designed as one of the components of the beam shaper. The beam shaper with integrated neutron detector is designed. The outlet beam of the final design must meet the IAEA's beam index requirements for BNCT treatment.

[0107] like Fig.12As shown, the neutron flux at the exit 9 of the beam shaping body is measured by an offline calibration detector 24, and the measured flux data is recorded as Φ1; the neutron flux at the detector installation position is measured by a neutron detector 11 installed inside the beam shaping body, and the measured neutron flux data is read and recorded by an external readout device 15 of the neutron detector and recorded as Φi, and the flux data of multiple detectors are averaged. Then there is a definite mapping relationship between Φ1 and Φi

[0108]

[0109] Solving the mapping function using measured data In the subsequent BNCT clinical treatment process, the neutron flux at the exit of the beam shaper can be continuously monitored online only by using the neutron detector 11 in conjunction with the external readout device 15 of the neutron detector. The neutron flux Φ1 at the exit should be

[0110] .

[0111] Embodiment 11:

[0112] exist Fig.13 In the embodiment shown, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function is basically the same as that of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, except that:

[0113] The anti-leakage combined structure 200 is set as a labyrinth-type combined structure, which also adopts a non-straight-through gap combined structure. In view of the characteristic that the rays are radiated in a straight line, in order to reduce the loss of the neutron beam and the leakage of radiation, while meeting the requirements of the integrated design of the neutron detector, a non-straight-through gap-type anti-leakage combined structure 200 is set on the beam shaping body. Of course, in other embodiments, the anti-leakage combined structure 200 can be any form of non-straight-through gap structure.

[0114] Embodiment 12:

[0115] exist Fig.14 In the embodiment shown, a BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function is basically the same as that of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, except that:

[0116] The beam shaping body main assembly 18 and the beam shaping body main assembly 2 19 are respectively a moderator 1 and a reflector 2. The moderator 1 and the reflector 2 are formed into a leak-proof combined structure 200 by adopting a concave-convex interlocking type. A detector mounting hole 16 and a cable harness hole groove 17 are respectively arranged on the moderator 1, and the neutron detector 11 is fixed inside the detector mounting hole 16. The cable harness of the neutron detector 11 is led out through the non-straight-through seam cable harness hole groove 17 and the leak-proof combined structure 200 of the concave-convex interlocking type.

[0117] The BNCT beam shaper with self-detection function described in the above embodiment has a diamond neutron detector permanently integrated inside, and the measurement results are more accurate and the measurement process is safer. It can solve the disadvantage of the traditional solution that the neutrons are placed outside the collimator outlet, avoiding the risk of electric shock to the patient; the detector is fixed inside the beam shaper through the tooling components to reduce the risk of falling off; the signal and power lines of the detector are led out to the dedicated control room of the detector through the reserved holes and slots, without passing through the treatment room side, which improves the aesthetics of the treatment room; in addition, the beam shaper is integrated with the detector as a whole, the beam is not affected by the change of the radiation field and the volume of the detector, and the measurement results are more accurate and reliable.

[0118] The integrated design of the diamond detector and the beam shaper forms an integrated beam shaper with self-detection function. The diamond detector performs online real-time detection and cooperates with the structural design of the beam shaper to focus on the neutron flux and verify that the design of the beam shaper itself is qualified.

[0119] Since the diamond detector is 6 LiF solid neutron converter coating, compared to gas BF in ionization chamber detectors such as BF3 counter tubes 3 ,solid 6 LiF itself has a high atomic density and a lower reaction cross section with neutrons, so after being irradiated by neutrons, the solid 6 LiF consumption is much less than gas BF 3 , it can be ignored during the service life of the detector and no auxiliary correction components are required.

[0120] Diamond detectors are used. Diamond detectors are extremely compact and are used to measure neutrons in limited spaces. The detection limit is extremely high. 6 LiF solid neutron converter coating, the consumption during the detection process is negligible; it has high neutron detection efficiency, is less affected by the environment, and has a very small sensitive volume (1mm 2 ), theoretically it can be installed at any position inside the beam shaping body.

[0121] The neutron detection unit uses diamond detectors, which are extremely small and have a high detection limit. They can be permanently installed at any position (high flux, low flux, neutron gamma mixing area) or any part (reflector, moderator, filter, collimator) in the beam shaper. In addition, multiple detectors can be installed at the same time, and the results of several detectors can verify each other. The measurement results are more accurate and simple.

[0122] The integrated design of the beam shaper and the detector is actually a beam shaper with self-detection function. The beam shaper structure is specially processed to match the detector. Taking into account the influence of the detector volume and material, the exit beam can still meet the clinical treatment standards.

[0123] Once the beam shaper is designed, online real-time monitoring can be achieved, and there is no need to disassemble the beam shaper later; the calibration scheme also uses offline detectors (such as single-ball or multi-ball neutron spectrometers, etc., without cables), which can be placed anywhere in the treatment room without danger. And because of the stability of the diamond detector, frequent calibration is not required. At the same time, the use of offline detectors for flux measurement is a necessary part of the clinical QA process. The calibration process can be completed synchronously during the QA process, and the process logic is smoother.

[0124] All detector cables and electronic processing components are led out to an additional room. The presence of additional detectors will not affect the aesthetics of the treatment room, nor will exposed wires cause electric shock hazards to patients.

[0125] The neutron detector 11 in the present invention can be directly installed on the neutron target (not limited to the field of BNCT neutron online monitoring), and can be widely used in the fields of neutron therapy systems.

[0126] The above specific implementation modes / embodiments are specific implementation modes of the present invention, which are used to illustrate the concept of the present invention, are explanatory and exemplary, and should not be interpreted as limiting the implementation modes of the present invention and the scope of the present invention. In addition to the embodiments described herein, those skilled in the art can also adopt other obvious technical solutions based on the contents disclosed in the claims and the specification of this application, and these technical solutions include any obvious replacement and modification of the embodiments described herein, which are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A BNCT beam shaper with a self-detection function, wherein a shielding body (12) is provided outside the beam shaper (100), and the characteristics are: A leak-proof combined structure (200) is provided inside the beam shaping body (100), a neutron detector (11) is installed inside the leak-proof combined structure (200), and a non-straight-through seam-type lead-in channel (13) is provided inside the shielding body (12); the cable harness of the neutron detector (11) is electrically connected to an external readout device (15) located outside the shielding body (12) through the lead-in channel (13); the leak-proof combined structure (200) is formed between a beam shaping body main body component 1 (18) and a beam shaping body main body component 2 (19) which are arranged in a split manner.

2. The BNCT beam shaper with self-detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anti-leakage combined structure (200) is a concave-convex nested structure, or a stepped combined structure, or a labyrinth combined structure.

3. The BNCT beam shaper with self-detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A detector mounting hole (16) is provided on the beam shaping body main body component 1 (18) or / and the beam shaping body main body component 2 (19), and the side edge of the detector mounting hole (16) is grooved outward and extends to form a non-straight-through seam-type cable harness hole groove (17), and the cable harness hole groove (17) passes through the beam shaping body (100) and is connected to the lead-in hole (13).

4. The BNCT beam shaper with self-detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beam shaping body comprises a plurality of components, wherein the beam shaping body main component 1 (18) and the beam shaping body main component 2 (19) are two parts of the same component in the beam shaping body.

5. The BNCT beam shaper with self-detection function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The components are a moderator (1), a reflector (2), a thermal neutron filter layer (3), a gamma ray filter layer (4), a collimator (5) and / or a back reflector (10); the beam shaping body main component 1 (18) and the beam shaping body main component 2 (19) are respectively two parts of the moderator (1); or two parts of the reflector (2); or two parts of the thermal neutron filter layer (3); or two parts of the gamma ray filter layer (4); or two parts of the collimator (5); or two parts of the back reflector (10).

6. The BNCT beam shaper with self-detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beam shaping body comprises a plurality of components, wherein the beam shaping body main component 1 (18) and the beam shaping body main component 2 (19) are two different adjacent components in the beam shaping body.

7. The BNCT beam shaper with self-detection function according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The neutron detector (11) is a diamond detector.

8. The BNCT beam shaper with self-detection function according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least one neutron detector (11) is provided.

9. The BNCT beam shaper with self-detection function according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes an offline calibration detector (24), wherein the offline calibration detector (24) is externally disposed on the beam shaping body (100).

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