NEUTRON BEAM SOURCE GENERATION SYSTEM, NEUTRON BEAM SOURCE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM, AND NEUTRON BEAM SOURCE GENERATION METHOD

Abstract

To provide a neutron-beam-source generation system, a neutron-beam-source stabilization-control system, and a neutron-beam-source generating method.SOLUTION: A neutron-beam-source generation system comprises an accelerator generating a proton beam, a target, and a calibration module. A neutron-beam source is generated by irradiating the target with the neutron beam. The calibration module comprises a pair of electromagnet components, a profile measurement component, a current measurement component, and a Faraday cup component. The calibration module controls distribution of the proton beam using the pair of electromagnet components in accordance with the profile distribution of the proton beam measured at the profile measurement component. The calibration module adjusts current of the proton beam in accordance with a first current value measured at the current measurement component or a second current value measured at the Faraday cup component, or both of them.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Taiwan Patent Application No. 112101492, filed on January 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a neutron beam source generating system, a neutron beam source stabilization control system, and a neutron beam source generating method, and in particular to a neutron beam source generating system having a stable proton beam, a neutron beam source stabilization control system, and a neutron beam source generating method. [Background technology]

[0003] Neutron capture therapy (NCT) is a type of radiation therapy that works by sending elements that absorb neutrons better to specific locations, and then using the differences in how well different elements absorb neutrons to perform selective processing, thereby precisely destroying cancer cells without destroying other healthy tissues.

[0004] Specifically, a therapeutic neutron beam source can be formed by generating a proton beam by a particle accelerator and then irradiating the proton beam to a target. However, existing neutron capture therapy devices do not monitor the proton beam in real time, so it is difficult to ensure the stability of the neutron beam source. Although existing neutron capture therapy devices have gradually met their intended purposes, they are not completely satisfactory in all respects. Therefore, there are still some problems to be solved in neutron capture therapy devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a stabilized neutron beam source generating system, a neutron beam source stabilization control system, and a neutron beam source generating method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a neutron beam source generating system is provided. The neutron beam source generating system includes an accelerator, a target, and a calibration module. The accelerator is configured to generate a proton beam transmitted along a channel in a first direction. The target is at one end of the channel, and the neutron beam source is generated by irradiating the target with the proton beam. The calibration module is disposed within the channel and includes a pair of electromagnet components, a profile measurement component, a current measurement component, and a Faraday cup component. The pair of electromagnet components are configured to control a distribution of the proton beam in a second direction and a third direction. The profile measurement component is configured to measure the proton beam to obtain a profile distribution. The current measurement component is configured to measure the proton beam to obtain a first current value. The Faraday cup component is configured to optionally shield the proton beam and measure the proton beam to obtain a second current value. The calibration module controls a distribution of the proton beam in a second direction and a third direction by a pair of electromagnet components according to the profile distribution, and adjusts a current of the proton beam according to the first current value, the second current value, or both.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a neutron beam source generation method is provided. The neutron beam source generation method is applied to a neutron beam source generation system, which includes an accelerator, a target, and a calibration module. The neutron beam source generation method includes the following steps: the accelerator generates a proton beam transmitted in a first direction along a channel; a current measurement component of the calibration module measures the proton beam to obtain a first current value; a Faraday cup component of the calibration module measures the proton beam to obtain a second current value; a current of the proton beam is adjusted according to the first current value, the second current value, or both; a profile measurement component of the calibration module measures the proton beam to obtain a profile distribution; and a pair of electromagnet components of the calibration module adjust a distribution of the proton beam in a second direction and a third direction according to the profile distribution. When the first current value, the second current value, and the profile distribution all meet their preset values, the Faraday cup component is removed, allowing the proton beam to irradiate the target and generate a neutron beam source.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a neutron beam source stabilization control system is provided. The neutron beam source stabilization control system is disposed between an accelerator and a target. The accelerator is configured to generate a proton beam transmitted along a channel in a first direction, the target being at one end of the channel. The neutron beam source is generated by irradiating the proton beam to the target. The neutron beam source stabilization control system includes a calibration module disposed between the accelerator and the target. The calibration module includes a pair of electromagnet components, a profile measurement component, a current measurement component, and a Faraday cup component. The pair of electromagnet components are configured to control a distribution of the proton beam in a second direction and a third direction. The profile measurement component is configured to measure the proton beam to obtain a profile distribution. The current measurement component is configured to measure the proton beam to obtain a first current value. The Faraday cup component is configured to optionally shield the proton beam and measure the proton beam to obtain a second current value. The calibration module controls a distribution of the proton beam in the second direction and the third direction according to the profile distribution using a pair of electromagnet components and adjusts a current of the proton beam according to the first current value, the second current value, or both.

[0009] The neutron beam source generating system, the neutron beam source stabilization control system, and the neutron beam source generating method disclosed in this specification can be applied to various types of neutron capture therapy systems. In order to make the features and advantages of the present disclosure more easily understandable, some embodiments are illustrated and described in detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure can be clearly understood through the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which, in accordance with standard industry practice, various features are not drawn to scale, and in fact dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced to allow clarity of illustration. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a neutron beam source generating system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an accelerator, a calibration module, and a target according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an accelerator, a calibration module, and a target according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for generating a neutron beam source according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a current value quality control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a profile quality control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a flow chart of a neutron beam source stabilization control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a flowchart of a neutron beam source stabilization control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a safety interlock method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the provided neutron beam source generating system, neutron beam source stabilization control system, and neutron beam source generating method. In order to briefly explain the present disclosure, specific embodiments of elements and arrangements are described below. These are, of course, merely for illustration and are not intended to be limiting. For example, in the following disclosure, a first feature formed on a second feature can include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and can also include embodiments in which an additional feature is formed between the first and second features such that the first and second features are not in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat the same component symbols or letters in the embodiments. The purpose of repetition is to provide a simplified and clear description, and does not limit the relationship of the various embodiments and / or configurations described.

[0012] Terms of direction, such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar terms, referred to herein refer to directions within the drawings. Accordingly, the directional terms used herein are for purposes of illustrating the present disclosure and not for purposes of limitation.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "positioned" and "connected," and similar terms, unless otherwise specified, can refer to two features being in direct contact with each other, or can refer to two features not being in direct contact with each other, and there may be additional connecting features between the two features. The terms "positioned" and "connected" can also include cases where both features are movable or where both features are fixed.

[0014] Furthermore, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and the like, used in the specification and claims are used to modify different features or distinguish between different embodiments or ranges, and do not limit the number, upper or lower limits of features, or the order in which features are manufactured or arranged.

[0015] The term "about" as used herein generally means within 10%, within 5%, within 3%, within 2%, within 1%, or within 0.5% of a given value or a given range. The given values ​​herein are approximations, i.e., the meaning of "about" can be implied even without the specific description of "about."

[0016] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms, used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. It will be understood that terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning that fits the relevant art and background or context of this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner unless otherwise defined.

[0017] Several variations of the embodiments are described below. In the different figures and described embodiments, the same or similar reference numbers are used to refer to the same or similar features. It should be understood that additional steps may be provided before, during, and after the method, and some described steps may be replaced or eliminated in other method embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a neutron beam source generating system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an accelerator, a calibration module, and a target according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the neutron beam source generating system 1 includes an accelerator 10, a target 20, and a neutron beam source stabilization control system 2, and can be used to generate a stable neutron beam source. In some embodiments, a neutron beam can be formed by focusing the neutron beam source generated by the above-mentioned elements, and then neutron capture therapy can be performed by the neutron beam. That is, the neutron beam source generating system 1 of the present disclosure can be applied to a neutron capture therapy device. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the neutron beam source generated by the above-mentioned elements can be applied to other devices that need to use a neutron beam. A detailed configuration of the neutron beam source generating system 1 will be described later.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the accelerator 10 is configured to generate a proton beam that is transmitted along the channel 30 toward the target 20 in a first direction D1. In some embodiments, the accelerator 10 may be a cyclotron, a linear accelerator, another suitable accelerator, or a combination thereof, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the interior of the channel 30 may be in a vacuum state. In some embodiments, the target 20 is at one end of the channel 30. The neutron beam source may be generated by irradiating the target 20 with a proton beam. For example, the target 20 may be located within the channel 30 or outside the channel 30, but connected to and in contact with the channel 30. In some embodiments, the material of the target 20 may be lithium (Li), beryllium (Be), other suitable materials, or a combination thereof, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0020] In some embodiments, the neutron beam source stabilization control system 2 can include a calibration module 40. In some embodiments, the calibration module 40 is disposed between the two ends of the channel 30. The proton beam can be measured and calibrated by the calibration module 40 to ensure that the proton beam can be stably delivered to the target 20, thereby generating a stable neutron beam source.

[0021] In some embodiments, the calibration module 40 can include a pair of electromagnet components 400 that control the distribution of the proton beam in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In some embodiments, the pair of electromagnet components 400 can be or include a pair of quadrupole magnets, other suitable electromagnets, or a combination thereof, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. By adjusting the current input to the quadrupole magnets, the magnetic field of the quadrupole magnets can be changed to focus or defocus the proton beam. Taking FIG. 2 as an example, the pair of electromagnet components 400 can include a quadrupole magnet 401 and a quadrupole magnet 402. The quadrupole magnet 401 is configured to control the distribution of the proton beam in the second direction D2, and the quadrupole magnet 402 is configured to control the distribution of the proton beam in the third direction D3. The term "distribution" in this specification may refer to a Gaussian distribution, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are mutually orthogonal, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first direction D1 is perpendicular to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, but the second direction D2 is not perpendicular to the third direction D3.

[0022] In some embodiments, the calibration module 40 further includes a profile measurement component 410 that measures the proton beam to obtain a profile distribution. In some embodiments, the profile measurement component 410 may be or include a beam profiler monitor (BPM), other suitable measurement devices, or a combination thereof, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the calibration module 40 can control the distribution of the proton beam in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 by the pair of electromagnet components 400 according to the profile distribution measured by the profile measurement component 410.

[0023] In some embodiments, the calibration module 40 further includes a current measurement component 420 that measures the proton beam to obtain a first current value. In some embodiments, the current measurement component 420 may be or include a continuous wave current transformer (CWCT), other suitable measurement devices, or combinations thereof, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the calibration module 40 can adjust the current of the proton beam by controlling the accelerator 10 according to the first current value measured by the current measurement component 420.

[0024] In some embodiments, the calibration module 40 further includes a Faraday cup (FC) component 430. The Faraday cup component 430 optionally blocks the proton beam and measures the proton beam to obtain a second current value. For example, the proton beam can be blocked and measured to obtain a second current value by lowering the Faraday cup component 430 to the proton beam line (i.e., positioning the Faraday cup component 430 on the path of the proton beam). Conversely, the proton beam can be allowed to pass by raising the Faraday cup component 430 from the proton beam line (i.e., moving the Faraday cup component 430 away from the path of the proton beam). In some embodiments, the calibration module 40 can adjust the current of the proton beam by controlling the accelerator 10 according to the second current value measured by the Faraday cup component 430.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second current value measured by the Faraday cup component 430 is more accurate than the first current value measured by the current measurement component 420. In other words, calibrating the accelerator 10 with the second current value is more accurate than calibrating the accelerator 10 with the first current value. For example, multiple measurements can be performed to obtain a correspondence table between the first current value and the second current value. Then, when the Faraday cup component 430 is raised from the proton beam line, the second current value can be estimated from the first current value by the correspondence table, so as to accurately calibrate the accelerator 10 according to the second current value.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an accelerator, a calibration module, and a target according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the channel 30 has a first side 300 and a second side 301 opposite to the first side 300. The accelerator 10 is disposed on the first side 300, and the target 20 is disposed on the second side 301. In other words, the accelerator 10 and the target 20 are located at both ends of the channel 30, respectively. In some embodiments, by disposing the same components of the calibration module 40 on the first side 300 of the channel 30 and the second side 301 of the channel 30, the proton beam that has just left the accelerator 10 and the proton beam that is about to irradiate the target 20 can be calibrated, respectively. Taking FIG. 3 as an example, the details are as follows:

[0027] In some embodiments, the pair of electromagnet components 400 may include a first group of quadrupole magnets 400a and a second group of quadrupole magnets 400b spaced apart from each other. The first group of quadrupole magnets 400a and the second group of quadrupole magnets 400b are configured to control the distribution of the proton beam in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. For example, the first group of quadrupole magnets 400a may be disposed on the first side 300 of the channel 30 (i.e., the end adjacent to the accelerator 10) and may include quadrupole magnets 401a and 402a. The second group of quadrupole magnets 400b may be disposed on the second side 301 of the channel 30 (i.e., the end adjacent to the target 20) and may include quadrupole magnets 401b and 402b. The quadrupole magnets 401a and 401b are configured to control the distribution of the proton beam in a second direction D2, and the quadrupole magnets 402a and 402b are configured to control the distribution of the proton beam in a third direction D3. Thus, the profile distribution of the proton beam can be calibrated on the first side 300 and the second side 301 of the channel 30, respectively.

[0028] Similar to the configuration of the pair of electromagnet components 400, in some embodiments, the profile measurement component 410 can include a first profile measurement component 410a and a second profile measurement component 410b. The current measurement component 420 includes a first current measurement component 420a and a second current measurement component 420b. The Faraday cup component 430 includes a first Faraday cup 430a and a second Faraday cup 430b. For example, the first profile measurement component 410a, the first current measurement component 420a, and the first Faraday cup 430a are disposed on the first side 300 of the channel 30 (i.e., the end adjacent to the accelerator 10). The second profile measurement component 410b, the second current measurement component 420b, and the second Faraday cup 430b are disposed on the second side 301 of the channel 30 (i.e., the end adjacent to the target 20). Thus, the current and profile distribution of the proton beam at the sensing device on the first side 300 of the channel 30 and the current and profile distribution of the proton beam at the sensing device on the second side 301 of the channel 30 can be measured, respectively. The present disclosure is not limited to the mounting positions and numbers of the pair of electromagnet components 400, the profile measurement component 410, the current measurement component 420, and the Faraday cup component 430 as shown in Figures 2 and 3. In some embodiments, the number of each component of the calibration module 40 of the present disclosure may be any positive integer number and may be located at different positions in the channel 30 according to requirements.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the neutron beam source generating system 1 further includes a safety module 50 and a safety interlock system 3. Specifically, the safety module 50 is configured to monitor the operation process of the neutron beam source generating system 1, and the safety interlock system 3 can stop the operation of the neutron beam source generating system 1 or issue an alarm according to the data measured by the calibration module 40 in the neutron beam source stabilization control system 2 and the data measured by the safety module 50. By disposing the safety interlock system 3 and the safety module 50, the safety of the neutron beam source generating system 1 can be effectively ensured. In some embodiments, the safety interlock system 3 can include a processor that sends instructions to the accelerator 10 or other alarm devices. For example, the processor can include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor (MPU), other suitable processors, or a combination thereof, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0030] In some embodiments, the safety module 50 can include a vacuum measurement component 500 that measures the channel 30 to obtain a vacuum value. In some embodiments, the vacuum measurement component 500 can be or include a resistance gauge, a capacitance gauge, other suitable gauges, or combinations thereof, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, when the vacuum value measured by the vacuum measurement component 500 deviates from a safety value (e.g., the vacuum value is lower than the safety value), operation of the accelerator 10 can be stopped by the safety interlock system 3.

[0031] In some embodiments, the neutron beam source generating system 1 further includes a cooling module 60 that cools the target 20. In some embodiments in which the neutron beam source generating system 1 includes the cooling module 60, the safety module 50 can include a cooling water measurement component 510. The cooling water measurement component 510 is configured to measure the cooling water in the cooling module 60 to obtain a water temperature value, a water pressure value, a water flow rate value, and a water resistance value. In some embodiments, when the water temperature value, the water pressure value, the water flow rate value, or the water resistance value measured by the cooling water measurement component 510 deviates from a safety value (e.g., the water temperature value is higher than the safety value), the operation of the accelerator 10 can be stopped by the safety interlock system 3.

[0032] In some embodiments, the safety module 50 includes a neutron measurement component 520 to measure the neutron beam source to obtain a neutron count rate. In some embodiments, the neutron measurement component 520 includes Helium-3 ( 3 The neutron counting component 520 may be or may include, but is not limited to, a He (He) neutron proportional counter, a boron trifluoride (BF3) neutron proportional counter, other suitable measurement devices, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, when the neutron counting rate measured by the neutron measurement component 520 deviates from a safety value (e.g., the neutron counting rate is higher than the safety value), operation of the accelerator 10 can be stopped by the safety interlock system 3.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a neutron beam source generation method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, a neutron beam source can be stably generated by implementing the neutron beam source generation method in the neutron beam source generation system 1 described above. In some embodiments, the neutron beam source generation method can include a neutron beam source stabilization control method for calibrating a proton beam before generating a neutron beam source. For example, the neutron beam source stabilization control method can include steps S10 to S22. In step S10, a proton beam transmitted in a first direction along a channel can be generated by an accelerator. In step S12, the proton beam is measured by a current measurement component of the calibration module to obtain a first current value. In step S14, the proton beam is measured by a Faraday cup component of the calibration module to obtain a second current value. In some embodiments, after steps S12 and S14, the neutron beam source generation method further includes a step of comparing the first current value and the second current value to obtain a current value correspondence table. Since the accuracy of the second current value can be higher than that of the first current value, the second current value can be estimated from the first current value according to a current value correspondence table during the process of generating the neutron beam source (the Faraday cup component is in the off-beamline mode), so that the magnitude of the current of the proton beam can be more accurately determined. In step S16, the current of the proton beam can be adjusted according to the first current value, the second current value, or both. For example, the current of the proton beam can be determined according to the first current value or the second current value. Alternatively, the current of the proton beam may be determined according to the first current value and the second current value, respectively. In step S18, the proton beam is measured by a profile measurement component of the calibration module to obtain a profile distribution. In step S20, the distribution of the proton beam in the second direction and the third direction is determined according to the profile distribution and calibrated by a pair of electromagnet components of the calibration module.In step S22, when the first current value, the second current value, and the profile distribution all meet the preset values, the Faraday cup component is removed (i.e., raised) so that the proton beam irradiates the target and generates a neutron beam source.

[0034] In some embodiments, the above steps S10 to S16 may be collectively referred to as a current value quality control method. In some embodiments, steps S18 to S20 may be collectively referred to as a profile quality control method. In some embodiments, the current value quality control method may be performed first, and then the profile quality control method may be performed. Specifically, when the current of the proton beam increases, the space charge force inside the proton beam increases, causing the proton beam to diffuse (e.g., the distribution area increases). Conversely, when the current of the proton beam decreases, the space charge force inside the proton beam decreases, causing the proton beam to converge (e.g., the distribution area decreases). That is, the profile distribution of the proton beam is affected by the magnitude of the current. Therefore, performing the current value quality control method first can prevent the calibrated profile distribution from being affected by changing the magnitude of the current.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a current value quality control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the current value quality control method can be performed by replacing steps S100 to S106. In step S100, a proton beam is generated by an accelerator, and the current of the proton beam is correspondingly adjusted according to a first preset current value. In step S102, the proton beam is measured by a current measurement component to obtain a first current value. In step S104, it is determined whether the difference between the first current value and the first preset current value is smaller than a first current threshold. When the difference between the first current value and the first preset current value is smaller than the first current threshold, it is determined that the first current value of the proton beam passes the quality control. On the contrary, when the difference between the first current value and the first preset current value is equal to or larger than the first current threshold, it is determined that the first current value of the proton beam fails to pass the quality control, and step S100 is performed again. In some embodiments, the first current threshold is 5% of the first preset current value, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first current threshold can be any value, such as 3%, 10%, 15% of the first preset current value, etc. In step S106, the proton beam current value quality control ends.

[0036] In some embodiments, in step S102, a Faraday cup component may be used instead of the current measurement component. For example, the proton beam may be measured by the Faraday cup component to obtain a second current value. Then, it is determined whether the difference between the second current value and the second preset current value is less than a second current threshold. When the difference between the second current value and the second preset current value is less than the second current threshold, it is determined that the second current value of the proton beam passes the quality control. On the contrary, when the difference between the second current value and the second preset current value is equal to or greater than the second current threshold, it is determined that the second current value of the proton beam does not pass the quality control, and step S100 is executed again.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a profile quality control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the profile quality control method can be replaced and executed by steps S200 to S206. In step S200, the distribution of the proton beam in the second direction and the third direction is adjusted by a pair of electromagnet components. In step S202, the proton beam is measured by a profile measurement component to obtain a profile distribution. In step S204, it is determined whether the difference between the profile distribution and the preset profile distribution is smaller than a first profile threshold. When the difference between the profile distribution and the preset profile distribution is smaller than the profile threshold, it is determined that the profile distribution of the proton beam has passed the quality control. On the contrary, when the difference between the profile distribution and the preset profile distribution is equal to or greater than the profile threshold, it is determined that the profile distribution of the proton beam has not passed the quality control, and step S200 is executed again. In this specification, the "difference between the profile distribution and the preset profile distribution" can refer to the difference between the distribution area of ​​the proton beam and the preset area, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the profile threshold can be 5% of the preset profile distribution.In step S206, the proton beam profile quality control ends.

[0038] 7A and 7B are flow charts of a neutron beam source stabilization control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 7A and 7B, in some embodiments, both sides of a channel of a neutron beam source generating system are provided with a pair of electromagnet components, a profile measurement component, a current measurement component, and a Faraday cup component (for example, the neutron beam source generating system has the configuration shown in Fig. 3). In this case, the neutron beam source stabilization control method can be replaced and executed by steps S300 to S332, which may be divided into two stages.

[0039] In step S300, the quality control of the proton beam is started, and the quality control process of the first stage is performed. In step S302, it is confirmed that the accelerator does not generate a proton beam, and damage to the Faraday cup is prevented. When the accelerator generates a proton beam, step S301 is performed, and step S300 is performed again. In step S301, the state of the accelerator is adjusted (e.g., the accelerator is turned off) to stop the generation of the proton beam, and an alarm is issued by a device such as a speaker or a warning light, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In step S304, the first Faraday cup and the second Faraday cup are lowered to the proton beam line. In step S306, the proton beam is generated by the accelerator. In steps S308 to S312, it is respectively confirmed whether the current of the proton beam passes the first current value quality control and whether the profile distribution of the proton beam passes the first profile quality control. When the current and / or profile distribution of the proton beam fails to pass the first current value quality control or the first profile quality control, step S307 is performed and step S308 is performed again. In some embodiments, steps S307 and S308 can be performed in a manner similar or identical to the current value quality control method (e.g., steps S10 to S16, or steps S100 to S106) and profile quality control method (e.g., steps S18 to S20, or steps S200 to S206) described above. In step S314, the proton beam generated from the accelerator is stopped.

[0040] In step S316, the quality control process of the second stage is performed. Specifically, in steps S316 to S332, the quality control process similar or identical to steps S300 to S314 can be performed again, so the description thereof will be omitted. Please note that in the quality control process of the first stage (steps S300 to S314), the proton beam is shielded by the first Faraday cup (e.g., step S304). In other words, in the quality control process of the first stage, the main purpose is to measure and control the profile and current of the proton beam between the accelerator and the first Faraday cup. Meanwhile, in the quality control process of the second stage (steps S316 to S332), the first Faraday cup is raised, so that the proton beam is shielded by the second Faraday cup (e.g., step S320). In other words, in the second stage quality control process, the main purpose is to measure and control the proton beam profile and current between the first Faraday cup and the second Faraday cup. Through two current value quality controls and two profile quality controls, a more stable proton beam can be generated. In step S332, after the proton beam passes the two stage quality control process, the quality control of the proton beam is finished.

[0041] In some embodiments, the neutron beam source generating method further includes a neutron beam source stable generating method for calibrating the proton beam during the process of generating the neutron beam source. For example, after the Faraday cup component is removed, the neutron beam source generating method further includes the following steps: Measure the proton beam with a current measuring component to obtain a first current value; Adjust the current value of the proton beam according to the first current value; Measure the proton beam with a profile measuring component to obtain a profile distribution; Use a pair of electromagnet components to adjust the profile distribution of the proton beam in the second direction and the third direction according to the profile distribution. In other words, some components of the calibration module can be used to calibrate the proton beam before generating the neutron beam source, and can also be used to calibrate the proton beam during the process of generating the neutron beam source.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a safety interlock method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the neutron beam source generating method can further include a safety interlock method for verifying the safety of the system during the process of generating the neutron beam source. In some embodiments, the safety interlock method can include steps S400 to S402, steps S410 to S416, steps S420 to S426, and steps S430 to S436. A detailed description of each step is as follows. In steps S400 and S402, a proton beam is generated by an accelerator, and a neutron beam source can be generated by irradiating a target with the proton beam.

[0043] In some embodiments, steps S410-S416 are used to verify whether the yield of the neutron beam source passes quality control. Specifically, in step S410, the proton beam can be measured by a current measurement component of the calibration module to obtain a first current value. In step S412, the neutron beam source can be measured by a neutron measurement component of the safety module to obtain a neutron count rate. As used herein, the term "neutron count rate" refers to the number of neutrons measured by a device such as a proportional counter. In some embodiments, the number of neutrons can be estimated from the number of pulses measured by the proportional counter. In step S414, the neutron count rate can be divided by the first current value to obtain a first neutron yield factor, and the first neutron yield factor is compared to a first preset neutron yield factor. When the difference between the first neutron yield coefficient and the first preset neutron yield coefficient is equal to or greater than the first neutron yield coefficient threshold, a safety interlock control is executed. In some embodiments, the first neutron yield coefficient threshold can be 5% of the first preset neutron yield coefficient, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the safety interlock control can include executing step S411 (i.e., an alarm is issued) and re-executing step S410. Alternatively, in step S414, the neutron count rate can be first converted to a neutron flux, and the neutron flux can be divided by a first current value to obtain a first neutron yield. As used herein, the term "neutron flux" refers to the number of neutrons passing through a unit area per unit time. In some embodiments, the term "neutron flux" is equal to the product of the neutron density and its average velocity. The first neutron yield can then be compared to the first preset neutron yield. A safety interlock control is executed when a difference between the first neutron yield and the first preset neutron yield is greater than or equal to a first neutron yield threshold.

[0044] In some embodiments, the second current value can be estimated from the first current value after step S410 according to a correspondence table between the first current value and the second current value. Then, in step S414, the neutron count rate can be divided by the second current value to obtain a second neutron yield coefficient, and the second neutron yield coefficient is compared with a second preset neutron yield coefficient. When the difference between the second neutron yield coefficient and the second preset neutron yield coefficient is equal to or greater than the second neutron yield coefficient threshold, a safety interlock control is performed. By using a second current value with higher accuracy, the yield of the neutron beam can be estimated more accurately. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the neutron count rate can be first converted to a neutron flux, and the neutron flux can be divided by the second current value to obtain a second neutron yield. Then, the second neutron yield can be compared with the second preset neutron yield. When the difference between the second neutron yield and the second preset neutron yield is equal to or greater than the second neutron yield threshold, a safety interlock control is executed. In some embodiments, when the difference between the second neutron yield and the second preset neutron yield is equal to or greater than 5%, the safety interlock control can include executing step S411 (i.e., issuing an alarm) and re-executing step S410. In this case, an expert will determine what to do.

[0045] In some embodiments, steps S420-S426 are used to check whether the target state passes the quality control. Specifically, in step S420, the cooling water in the cooling module is measured by the cooling water measurement component of the calibration module, and a water temperature value, a water pressure value, a water flow rate value, and a water resistance value can be obtained. In step S422, the water temperature value, the water pressure value, the water flow rate value, and the water resistance value can be compared with a preset water temperature value, a preset water pressure value, a preset water flow rate value, and a preset water resistance value, respectively. When the difference between the water temperature value and the preset water temperature value is equal to or greater than the water temperature threshold value, the difference between the water pressure value and the preset water pressure value is equal to or greater than the water pressure threshold value, the difference between the water flow rate value and the preset water flow rate value is equal to or greater than the water flow rate threshold value, or the difference between the water resistance value and the preset water resistance value is equal to or greater than the water resistance threshold value, a safety interlock control is performed. In some embodiments, when the difference between any of the above-mentioned parameters and the corresponding preset parameters is 5% or more, the safety interlock control may include performing step S423 (i.e., an alarm is issued) and then performing step S420 again. In this case, the expert may decide what to do. In some embodiments, when the difference between any of the above-mentioned parameters and the corresponding preset parameters is 10% or more, the safety interlock control may include performing step S424 and shutting down the accelerator with the safety interlock system.

[0046] In some embodiments, steps S430 to S436 are used to check whether the environment of the neutron beam source passes the quality control. Specifically, in step S430, the channel can be measured by a vacuum measurement component of the calibration module to obtain a vacuum value. In step S432, the vacuum value can be compared with a preset vacuum value. When the difference between the vacuum value and the preset vacuum value is equal to or greater than the vacuum threshold, a safety interlock control is executed. In some embodiments, when the difference between the vacuum value and the preset vacuum value is equal to or greater than 5%, the safety interlock control can include executing step S433 (i.e., an alarm is issued) and re-executing step S430. In this case, an expert will determine how to handle the situation. In some embodiments, when the difference between the vacuum value and the preset vacuum value is equal to or greater than 10%, the safety interlock control can include executing step S434 and shutting down the accelerator with the safety interlock system.

[0047] Although a difference of 5% or 10% is used herein to determine whether to perform steps such as adjusting the accelerator, issuing an alarm, or shutting down the accelerator by a safety interlock system, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the difference used in the determination in any one of steps S104, S204, S411, S416, S423, and S433 may be replaced with other values, such as 2%, 3%, 4%, 6%, 7%, 8%, any range of values ​​mentioned above, or other suitable values. Alternatively, the difference used in the determination in any one of steps S424 and S434 may be changed to 7%, 8%, 9%, 11%, 12%, 13%, any range of values ​​mentioned above, or other suitable values. In other words, the difference used here is an example and can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0048] The features between the embodiments of the present invention can be arbitrarily combined without going against the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, and steps in the specific embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand current and future processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, and steps from the contents disclosed in the present disclosure, so long as the current or future processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, and steps perform substantially the same function as the present disclosure or obtain substantially the same result. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure includes the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, and steps described above. The scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims. It is not necessary for any embodiment or claim of the present disclosure to achieve all of the objects, advantages, and / or features disclosed herein.

[0049] The foregoing outlines features of some embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to better understand aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure can be readily used as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to carry out the same purposes and / or achieve the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also appreciate that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1. Neutron beam source generation system 2. Neutron beam source stabilization control system 3 Safety Interlock System 10 Accelerator 20 Target 30 Channels 300 First Side 301 Second Side 40 Calibration Module 400 Electromagnet Components 400a First group of quadrupole magnets 400b Second group of quadrupole magnets 401, 401a, 401b, 402, 402a, 402b quadrupole magnet 410 Profile Measurement Components 410a First profile measurement component 410b Second profile measurement component 420 Current Measurement Components 420a First current measuring component 420b Second Current Measurement Component 430 Faraday Cup Components 430a First Faraday Cup 430b Second Faraday Cup 50 Safety Modules 500 Vacuum Measurement Components 510 Cooling Water Measurement Components 520 Neutron Measurement Components 60 Cooling Module S10-S22, S100-S106, S200-S206, S300-S332, S400-S402, S410-S416, S420-S426, S430-S436 Step D1 First direction D2 Second direction D3 The third direction

Claims

1. an accelerator generating a proton beam transmitted in a first direction along a channel; a target at one end of the channel; and a calibration module disposed within the channel; a neutron beam source is generated by irradiating the target with the proton beam; The calibration module includes: a pair of electromagnet components configured to control a distribution of the proton beam in a second direction and a third direction; a profile measurement component for measuring the proton beam to obtain a profile distribution; a current measurement component that measures the proton beam to obtain a first current value; and a Faraday cup component for optionally shielding the proton beam and measuring the proton beam to obtain a second current value, and a correspondence table generated by comparing the first current value with the second current value; A neutron beam source generating system, wherein the calibration module controls the distribution of the proton beam in the second direction and the third direction using a pair of electromagnet components according to the profile distribution, and the calibration module adjusts the current of the proton beam according to the second current value deduced from the first current value by the correspondence table.

2. The neutron beam source generating system of claim 1 , further comprising a safety interlock system that uses the calibration module and the safety module to provide a safety interlock control to the neutron beam source generating system.

3. a cooling module for cooling the target; The neutron beam source generating system of claim 2 , wherein the safety module is configured to monitor a vacuum condition of the channel, a condition of a cooling water in the cooling module, and an intensity of the neutron beam source.

4. The safety module includes: a vacuum measurement component for measuring said channel to obtain a vacuum value; a cooling water measurement component that measures the cooling water in the cooling module to obtain water temperature, water pressure, water flow rate, and water resistance values; and The neutron beam source generating system of claim 3 including a neutron measurement component for measuring the neutron beam source to obtain a neutron count rate.

5. the channel has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the accelerator is disposed on the first side and the target is disposed on the second side; the pair of electromagnet components includes a first group of quadrupole magnets and a second group of quadrupole magnets, the profile measurement component includes a first profile measurement component and a second profile measurement component, the current measurement component includes a first current measurement component and a second current measurement component, and the Faraday cup component includes a first Faraday cup and a second Faraday cup; 2. The neutron beam source generating system of claim 1, wherein the accelerator, the first group of quadrupole magnets, the first profile measurement component, the first current measurement component, and a first Faraday cup are adjacent to the first side of the channel, and the target, the second group of quadrupole magnets, the second profile measurement component, the second current measurement component, and the second Faraday cup are adjacent to the second side of the channel.

6. the pair of electromagnet components includes a first group of quadrupole magnets and a second group of quadrupole magnets spaced apart from each other; 2. The neutron beam source generating system of claim 1, wherein the first group of quadrupole magnets and the second group of quadrupole magnets are configured to control a distribution of the proton beam in the second direction and the third direction.

7. The neutron beam source generating system of claim 1 , wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are mutually orthogonal.

8. A neutron beam source generation method applied to a neutron beam source generation system, comprising: the neutron beam source generating system includes an accelerator, a target, and a calibration module; The neutron beam source generating method includes: using the accelerator to generate a proton beam that is transmitted in a first direction along a channel; measuring the proton beam with a current measurement component of the calibration module to obtain a first current value; measuring the proton beam with a Faraday cup component of the calibration module to obtain a second current value; generating a correspondence table by comparing the first current value with the second current value; adjusting the current of the proton beam according to the first current value, the second current value, or both; measuring the proton beam to obtain a profile distribution using a profile measurement component of the calibration module; adjusting a distribution of the proton beam in a second direction and a third direction according to the profile distribution using a pair of electromagnet components of the calibration module; and removing the Faraday cup component when the first current value, the second current value, and the profile distribution all meet preset values, allowing the proton beam to irradiate the target and generate a neutron beam source; A neutron beam source generating method comprising a step of adjusting a distribution of the proton beam in the second direction and the third direction according to the second current value estimated from the first current value by the correspondence table after removing the Faraday cup component.

9. After removing the Faraday cup component, measuring the proton beam with the current measurement component to obtain the first current value; adjusting the current of the proton beam according to the first current value; measuring the proton beam with the profile measurement component to obtain the profile distribution; and The method of claim 8 , further comprising adjusting a distribution of the proton beam in the second direction and the third direction according to the profile distribution using a pair of electromagnet components.

10. adjusting a distribution of the proton beam in the second direction and the third direction using the pair of electromagnet components of the calibration module, comparing said profile distribution with a preset profile distribution; and 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising adjusting the distribution of the proton beam in a second direction, a third direction, or both directions when a difference between the preset profile distribution and the profile distribution is greater than a profile threshold.

11. adjusting the current of the proton beam according to the first current value, the second current value, or both, comparing the first current value with a first preset current value; and 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising adjusting a current of the proton beam when a difference between the first preset current value and the first current value is greater than a first current threshold.

12. adjusting the current of the proton beam according to the first current value, the second current value, or both, comparing the second current value with a second preset current value; and The method of claim 8 , further comprising adjusting a current of the proton beam when a difference between the second preset current value and the second current value is greater than a second current threshold.

13. The neutron beam source generating system further includes a cooling module for cooling the target; The neutron beam source generating method includes: using a safety module to monitor the vacuum state of the channel, the state of the cooling water in the cooling module, and the intensity of the neutron beam source; and 9. The neutron beam source generating method of claim 8, further comprising the step of performing a safety interlock control on the neutron beam source generating system using a safety interlock system in response to the current of the proton beam measured by the calibration module and the vacuum state of the channel, the state of the cooling water, and the intensity of the neutron beam source measured by the safety module.

14. Monitoring the vacuum condition of the channel with the safety module includes: The method of claim 13 comprising measuring a channel with a vacuum measurement component of the safety module to obtain a vacuum value.

15. After the step of measuring the vacuum value of the channel using the vacuum measurement component, the neutron beam source generating method further comprises: comparing said vacuum value with a preset vacuum value; and The method of claim 14 further comprising shutting down the accelerator using the safety interlock system when a difference between the preset vacuum value and the vacuum value is greater than a vacuum threshold value.

16. The step of monitoring the state of the cooling water in the cooling module using the safety module includes:

14. The method of claim 13, comprising measuring cooling water in the cooling module using a cooling water measurement component of the safety module to obtain water temperature, water pressure, water flow rate, and water resistivity values.

17. After measuring the water temperature value, the water pressure value, the water flow rate value, and the water resistance value of the cooling water in the cooling module using the cooling water measurement component, the neutron beam source generation method includes: comparing said water temperature value with a preset water temperature value, said water pressure value with a preset water pressure value, said water flow rate value with a preset water flow rate value, and said water resistance value with a preset water resistance value; and 17. The method of generating a neutron beam source as recited in claim 16, further comprising the step of shutting down the accelerator using the safety interlock system when a difference between the preset water temperature value and the water temperature value is greater than a water temperature threshold, a difference between the preset water pressure value and the water pressure value is greater than a water pressure threshold, a difference between the preset water flow rate value and the water flow rate value is greater than a water flow rate threshold, or a difference between the preset water resistance value and the water resistance value is greater than a water resistance threshold.

18. Monitoring an intensity of the neutron beam source using the safety module includes: The method of claim 13 including measuring the neutron beam source with a neutron measurement component of the safety module to obtain a neutron count rate.

19. After the step of obtaining a neutron count rate, the neutron beam source generating method further comprises: dividing the neutron count rate by the first current value to obtain a first neutron yield coefficient; comparing a first preset neutron yield coefficient to the first neutron yield coefficient; and 20. The neutron beam source generating method of claim 18, further comprising shutting down the accelerator using the safety interlock system when a difference between the first preset neutron yield coefficient and the first neutron yield coefficient is greater than a first neutron yield coefficient threshold.

20. After obtaining the neutron count rate, the neutron beam source generating method comprises: estimating the second current value from the first current value measured by the current measurement component according to the correspondence table; dividing the neutron count rate by the second current value to obtain a second neutron yield coefficient; comparing a second preset neutron yield coefficient to the second neutron yield coefficient; and 20. The neutron beam source generating method of claim 18, further comprising shutting down the accelerator using the safety interlock system when a difference between the second preset neutron yield factor and the second neutron yield factor is greater than a second neutron yield factor threshold.

21. A neutron beam source stabilization and control system disposed between an accelerator and a target, comprising: the accelerator is configured to generate a proton beam transmitted in a first direction along a channel, the target being at one end of the channel and irradiating the target with the proton beam to generate a neutron beam source; a calibration module disposed between the accelerator and the target; The calibration module includes: a pair of electromagnet components configured to control a distribution of the proton beam in a second direction and a third direction; a profile measurement component for measuring the proton beam to obtain a profile distribution; a current measurement component that measures the proton beam to obtain a first current value; and a Faraday cup component for optionally shielding the proton beam and measuring the proton beam to obtain a second current value, and a correspondence table generated by comparing the first current value with the second current value; A neutron beam source stabilization control system, wherein the calibration module controls the distribution of the proton beam in the second direction and the third direction using a pair of electromagnet components according to the profile distribution, and the calibration module adjusts the current of the proton beam according to the second current value estimated from the first current value by the correspondence table.

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