Ultra-high dose rate radiation method and ultra-high dose rate radiation apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an ultra-high dose rate radiation method, comprising: controlling a plurality of beam modules to be located at a plurality of target positions in a one-to-one correspondence, so as to form different radiation angles relative to a same target portion; when a region to be irradiated of a target object is located at the target portion, controlling the plurality of beam modules to alternately emit a plurality of radiation beams toward the target portion from the different radiation angles, wherein each of the plurality of radiation beams has an ultra-high dose rate. The present disclosure further provides an ultra-high dose rate radiation apparatus.

Description

Ultra-high dose rate radiation methods and ultra-high dose rate radiation devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202510072571.4, filed on January 16, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of radiation inspection, specifically to the field of ultra-high dose rate radiation, and more specifically to ultra-high dose rate radiation methods and devices. Background Technology

[0003] In existing ultra-high dose rate radiation procedures, when the total radiation dose is too high, the same radiation source is often kept stationary while the dose is divided by multiple beam outputs; or, in a single operation, a rotating head outputs radiation at different rotation angles, dividing the dose at multiple different angles. In other words, when the total radiation dose is too high, both time-based and spatial-based radiation methods are used.

[0004] The time-segmentation method described above requires the same X-ray source to emit beams multiple times, and the positioning or accelerator state needs to be readjusted before each time, which takes a long time and is cumbersome. The spatial segmentation method described above requires adjusting the angle of the irradiation head (i.e., rotating the head) at a relatively fast speed during the conventional radiation beam emission process. However, in the field of rapid radiation, since the entire process usually needs to be completed in a shorter time, the irradiation head in conventional technology does not have enough time to rotate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, this disclosure provides an ultra-high dose rate radiation method and an ultra-high dose rate radiation device.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an ultra-high dose rate radiation method is provided, comprising: controlling a plurality of beam modules to be located at a plurality of target positions in a one-to-one correspondence to form different radiation angles relative to the same target; and, when the area to be irradiated of the target object is located at the target, controlling the plurality of beam modules to alternately emit multiple radiation beams to the target from the different radiation angles, wherein each of the multiple radiation beams has an ultra-high dose rate.

[0007] In some embodiments, controlling the plurality of beam modules to be located at a plurality of target positions in a one-to-one correspondence includes: determining a plurality of target angles of the plurality of beam modules relative to the target based on the properties of the region to be irradiated; and controlling the beam module to move to the target position if there is no corresponding target angle between any beam module and the target.

[0008] In some embodiments, determining the multiple target angles of the plurality of beam modules relative to the target based on the properties of the region to be irradiated includes: determining the multiple target angles of the plurality of beam modules relative to the target based on the relative positional relationship between the region to be irradiated and the surrounding non-target regions, wherein the non-target regions include regions outside the region to be irradiated.

[0009] In some embodiments, determining multiple target angles of the plurality of beam modules relative to the target based on the relative positional relationship between the region to be irradiated and the surrounding non-target regions includes: simulating each beam module sending a radiation beam to the region to be irradiated at different candidate angles based on the included angles between any two of the plurality of beam modules, the radiation beam path of each beam module, and the relative positional relationship; and determining the plurality of target angles based on the spatial interference relationship between the simulated radiation beams of each beam module at different candidate angles and the non-target regions.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of target angles includes at least one avoidance angle, wherein the radiation beam emitted by the beam module having the avoidance angle is configured to avoid the non-target region and strike the region to be irradiated.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plurality of target angles includes at least one protection angle, wherein the radiation beam emitted by the beam module having the protection angle is configured to pass through the non-target region and strike the region to be irradiated, and the radiation dose is less than the radiation dose of the radiation beam that avoids the non-target region.

[0012] In some embodiments, controlling the plurality of beam modules to alternately emit multiple radiation beams to the target from the different radiation angles includes: real-time detection of the current position of the region to be irradiated; and controlling the plurality of beam modules to alternately emit multiple radiation beams to the region to be irradiated at the different radiation angles during a time period in which the current position of the region to be irradiated is located at the target.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of beam modules are arranged in a ring around the rotary assembly, and the target is located on the rotation axis of the rotary assembly. The control of the plurality of beam modules to be located at the plurality of target positions in a one-to-one correspondence includes: controlling the rotary assembly to rotate so as to move the plurality of beam modules to the plurality of target positions in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of beam modules are arranged in a ring around the rotating assembly, including: the position of any one beam module is configured to avoid the radiation beam path of each of the other beam modules.

[0015] In some embodiments, the plurality of beam modules alternately emit multiple radiation beams within a time period of less than or equal to 1 second; and / or, for any two adjacent beam modules emitting radiation beams, the emission of radiation beams is switched within a time period of less than or equal to 1 second.

[0016] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an ultra-high dose rate radiation device, comprising: a rotary assembly; a plurality of beam modules for emitting multiple radiation beams, wherein the plurality of beam modules are arranged in a ring around the rotary assembly, and the rotary assembly rotates to move the plurality of beam modules to a plurality of target positions corresponding to each other; and a control unit for performing the method described in any of the preceding embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The foregoing contents, as well as other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure, will become clearer from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 schematically shows a partial structural diagram of an ultra-high dose radiation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a flowchart of an ultra-high dose rate radiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a flowchart of controlling the movement of the beam module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a partial structural diagram of the target object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a flowchart of determining multiple target angles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a flowchart of controlling the emission of a radiation beam according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] The reference numerals in the above figures include: 100, ultra-high dose rate radiation device; 110, beam assembly; 111, first beam module; 112, second beam module; 113, third beam module; 114, fourth beam module; 115, fifth beam module; 140, mounting support; 141, first support; 142, second support; 120, rotation assembly; 130, target.

[0025] It should be noted that, for clarity, the dimensions of the overall / partial structure or the overall / partial region in the drawings used to describe the embodiments of this disclosure may be enlarged or reduced, i.e., these drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1 schematically shows a partial structural diagram of an ultra-high dose radiation device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the ultra-high dose radiation device 100 includes a beam assembly 110, a rotation assembly 120, and a mounting bracket 140. The beam assembly 110 may include multiple beam modules for emitting multiple radiation beams, such as a first beam module 111, a second beam module 112, a third beam module 113, a fourth beam module 114, and a fifth beam module 115. The mounting bracket 140 may include a first bracket 141 and a second bracket 142. The first beam module 111, the second beam module 112, and the third beam module 113 may be mounted on the first bracket 141, and the fourth beam module 114 and the fifth beam module 115 may be mounted on the second bracket 142.

[0029] For example, the radiation device 100 disclosed herein may include an ultra-high dose radiation device for generating a radiation beam applicable to fields such as flash radiotherapy, container security inspection and industrial imaging, and is capable of delivering ultra-high doses (e.g., above 40 Gy / s) of radiation, thereby completing the desired radiation in a very short time.

[0030] FLASH-RT (Flash Radiation Therapy) is a radiation therapy technique that uses ultrafast irradiation at dose rates several orders of magnitude higher than those used in conventional radiotherapy (e.g., 20-100 Gy / s compared to 1-4 Gy / min).

[0031] In some embodiments, the beam emission positions of each of the multiple beam modules are substantially equal to the distance from the target 130. This is beneficial for ensuring that the radiation effect of each beam module on the radiation area is substantially consistent, and also for improving calibration accuracy.

[0032] For example, the rotating assembly 120 may include a roller, a ring (or other shaped fixing ring, such as a hexagonal, triangular, or irregularly shaped fixing ring, etc.). The rotating assembly 120 can rotate about its axis of rotation, thereby driving the first beam module 111, the second beam module 112, the third beam module 113, the fourth beam module 114, and the fifth beam module 115 to rotate, for example, during calibration, the center of the target 130 is located at the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly 120. Thus, during rotation, the rotating assembly 120 can rotate around the target 130. During rotation, by switching the beams emitted by different beam modules, radiation can be emitted at different angles to the same target 130 (e.g., where there is a region to be irradiated), wherein the radiation beam emitted by each beam module can achieve the effect of ultra-high dose radiation. Multiple beam modules can emit beams in sequence and relative to the predetermined radiation region, or they can emit beams in a random order. Even when necessary, they can emit beams simultaneously.

[0033] By setting multiple beam modules at different angles on a rotatable rotary assembly 120 and switching between the beam modules that generate rays, the goal of rapidly delivering radiation at multiple angles within a very short time, as required in flash radiotherapy, can be achieved. That is, after calibration, through the cooperation of the rotary assembly 120 and multiple beam modules, ultra-high dose radiation can be delivered to a predetermined radiation area at multiple angles.

[0034] For example, the beam module may include an electron linear accelerator. The radiation beam may include an X-ray beam. For example, the rotating assembly 120 has a receiving space that can accommodate the target object to be irradiated. Figure 1 shows a schematic location of the target portion 130, which may be located within the rotating assembly 120. For example, the area of ​​the target object to be irradiated may be located in the target portion 130 and irradiated by one or more radiation beams.

[0035] It is understood that the number, location, and installation relationship of the beam modules in Figure 1 are only examples and can be flexibly determined according to requirements.

[0036] The ultra-high dose rate radiation method of this disclosure will be described in detail below based on the structure described in FIG1.

[0037] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a flowchart of an ultra-high dose rate radiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment includes:

[0039] In operation S210, multiple beam modules are controlled to be positioned at multiple target locations in a one-to-one correspondence, so as to form different radiation angles relative to the target.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, the plurality of beam modules may be at least two of the first beam module 111, the second beam module 112, the third beam module 113, the fourth beam module 114, and the fifth beam module 115.

[0041] The target object's radiation area refers to the specific area that needs to be irradiated, such as the region of interest of a workpiece, container, or other object. The target is the convergence area of ​​radiation beams from multiple beam modules. That is, the rays generated by multiple beam modules can pass through the same target as the radiation center, forming the required radiation field irradiating the same area. Target objects can include workpieces to be inspected, containers, vehicles, etc. The radiation angle includes the incident direction of the radiation beam relative to the target.

[0042] For example, the multiple target locations of multiple beam modules can be manually confirmed, and instructions can be sent to a control unit (such as a computer, server, or other electronic device) to execute operation S210. Alternatively, the location of multiple beam modules at multiple target locations can be automatically detected and controlled.

[0043] It is understood that the target area is a defined region, which can be manually or detected in real time by sensors to determine whether there is a target object to be irradiated, and then the target position of each beam module is determined. If the current position of each beam module is consistent with the target position, it remains stationary. If the current position is inconsistent with the target position, it moves to the target position. For example, each beam module can be detachably moved to any position, or rotated as shown in Figure 1.

[0044] In operation S220, when the target area to be irradiated is located in the target area, multiple beam modules are controlled to alternately emit multiple radiation beams to the target from different radiation angles, wherein each of the multiple radiation beams has an ultra-high dose rate.

[0045] The triggering order and operating parameters of the electron guns in multiple beam modules are not restricted. Assuming there are five electron guns, they can be triggered sequentially in the order 1-2-3-4-5, in combination in the order 2-4-5, or in the order 1-2-3-2 – any combination is possible, maximizing the overall efficiency of the multi-electron gun system. High-speed data processing algorithms can be used to rapidly decompose radiation mission information, such as the specific dose requirements under ultra-high dose radiation, into the dose (pulse dose), number of delivered pulses, and triggering sequence achieved by the single-pulse signals of each electron gun.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1, the triggering sequence of each electron gun in the multi-electron gun system can be different under different radiation mission requirements. Pulse control is implemented using a modular power supply and a high-speed processor. That is, the parameters of the preceding pulse signal and the electron gun port can be different from the parameters of the following pulse signal and the electron gun parameters, or the parameters of the preceding pulse sequence and the electron gun port can be different from the parameters of the following pulse sequence and the electron gun parameters.

[0047] In some embodiments, multiple electron guns correspond one-to-one with multiple power supply ports. Controlling the power supply to alternately deliver matching pulse sequences to multiple electron guns in multiple radiation sources in sequence for power supply includes: controlling the power supply to alternately select the power supply port (i.e., the electron gun port) corresponding to the electron gun in sequence, for example, switching the selected power supply port within a time interval of less than or equal to 1 second (e.g., within a time interval of 1 millisecond).

[0048] In some embodiments, multiple beam modules alternately emit multiple radiation beams within a time period of less than or equal to 1 second; and / or, for any two adjacent beam modules transmitting radiation beams, the transmission of radiation beams is switched within a time period of less than or equal to 1 second (e.g., within a time interval of 1 millisecond).

[0049] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a single power supply can power different electron guns, and the parameters of a single pulse signal are adjustable, namely, the pulse high voltage amplitude and pulse width are adjustable. The power supply port output can also be specified, enabling fast and reliable switching in complex electromagnetic environments.

[0050] For each electron gun in the beam module, N pulse signals can be supplied to the target electron gun at intervals for power supply. This includes the intermittent triggering of any two adjacent pulse signals, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. At least one of the N pulse signals is modulated according to at least one operating parameter. Modulation involves adjusting the characteristics of the pulse signals, such as amplitude and frequency, according to certain operating parameters to adapt to different operating conditions. After triggering M pulse signals, the superimposed dose of the radiation source to which the target electron gun belongs is obtained. The superimposed dose includes the sum of the actual doses output by the radiation source measured in response to the triggering of the M pulse signals.

[0051] For example, interval delivery of pulse signals refers to triggering two adjacent pulse signals in N pulse signals at intervals of a certain time, such as a time interval between 0.1 microseconds and 1 millisecond, or between 1 millisecond and hundreds of milliseconds. That is, the N pulse signals include a series of voltage peaks triggered at certain intervals to control the emission of the electron beam.

[0052] It is understandable that electron guns have different electron emission capabilities under different pulse signals. Two different pulse signals cause the electron gun to emit different electron beams. Due to many factors such as lifespan, single continuous beam emission time, temperature changes during beam emission, manufacturing process, material differences, and different production batches after spare parts replacement, the electron emission performance of different electron guns varies, which is particularly evident in multi-electron gun systems. Real-time monitoring of the target electron gun's operating status and timely adjustment of pulse parameters based on the dynamic changes in the gun's status are necessary to maintain overall operational stability. For example, if the operating parameters of the first and second pulse signals are different before triggering among N pulse signals, then under the premise of outputting the same electron beam, the first and second pulse signals will have different amplitudes and widths.

[0053] For example, each of the multiple radiation beams having an ultra-high dose rate may include a dose rate of more than 40 Gy / s for each radiation beam.

[0054] Some techniques in proton / heavy ion radiation also employ deflectors at different angles to guide the beam into different directions. However, using deflectors introduces additional dispersion (which can be reduced by alpha iron de-dispersion, but is not entirely free of additional dispersion), and deflectors are bulky, complex to control, and require careful consideration of other effects of the magnetic field on the beam during the design process, making them inconvenient.

[0055] According to embodiments of this disclosure, multiple beam modules are provided to emit radiation beams from different angles to irradiate a target. Each radiation beam meets the requirements for ultra-high dose rate radiation. The method of irradiating from different angles reduces the impact on the target object and achieves spatial segmentation of the radiation dose. By switching between different radiation sources through alternating beam emission, the radiation angle switching requirement can be achieved in a very short time, thus achieving the purpose of rapid multi-angle radiation.

[0056] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a flowchart of controlling the movement of the beam module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment is one example of operation S210, including:

[0058] In operation S310, multiple target angles of multiple beam modules relative to the target are determined based on the properties of the region to be irradiated.

[0059] When operating S320, if there is no corresponding target angle between any beam module and the target, control the beam module to move to the target position.

[0060] For example, this can be achieved by physically adjusting the position of the beam module. A robotic arm is used to move a beam module from an initial position to a position at a 45-degree angle above the patient's (target) head (the area to be irradiated).

[0061] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1, multiple beam modules are arranged in a ring around a rotary assembly, with the target located on the rotation axis of the rotary assembly. Controlling the multiple beam modules to be located at multiple target positions in a one-to-one correspondence includes controlling the rotation of the rotary assembly to move the multiple beam modules to the multiple target positions in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1, a rotatable roller (i.e., a rotating assembly) for fixing beam modules is used, on which upper and lower beam module bases are fixed, and each beam module is fixed on the beam module base. The radiation beams output by all beam modules have a common intersection point, which overlaps in space with the center of the rotatable ring.

[0063] For example, multiple beam modules are first moved to multiple target positions by rotating the gyratory assembly, and then the gyratory assembly stops rotating, allowing the multiple beam modules to alternately emit beams while remaining essentially stationary.

[0064] It is understandable that the required radiation angles for the areas to be irradiated in most target objects are not entirely unrelated. With a limited number of target angles set, the radiation requirements can be met by rotating the entire rotary assembly and strategically gating the beam modules at these target angles.

[0065] Each time the cyclotron assembly rotates, the multiple beam modules fixed on it reposition themselves at several different fixed angles, meaning that a single rotation can generate multiple new radiation angles. These newly generated angles can then be selected to choose a suitable spatial segmentation scheme. The cyclotron assembly itself can rotate around a center, which is usually the same as the radiation center mentioned earlier, to avoid the need for recalibration of the radiation center after rotation. By switching between different accelerating tubes, the same area can be irradiated at different angles, spatially segmenting the radiation dose. Multiple beam modules can emit beams sequentially or in a randomized order.

[0066] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by setting multiple fixed-angle beam modules on a rotatable rotating component and switching the beam module that generates rays, the purpose of rapidly performing radiation at multiple angles in a very short time required in FLASH radiation can be achieved.

[0067] In some embodiments, the circular distribution of multiple beam modules in the rotating assembly includes: the position of any one beam module is configured to avoid the radiation beam path of each of the other beam modules.

[0068] Multiple beam modules are designed to avoid being positioned in each other's beam paths. This is to prevent damage from opposing beams and to maximize the radiation angles obtained after rotation. For example, if the first beam module 111 and the fourth beam module 114 are in each other's beam paths, then when the first beam module 111 rotates to the position of the fourth beam module 114, the fourth beam module 114 will also be exactly in the position of the first beam module 111. In this case, the rotation of the two beam modules merely swaps their positions without creating a new angular distribution.

[0069] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a partial structural diagram of a target object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The area to be irradiated, located in the left non-target region, is filled with a pattern. Dashed arrows represent radiation beams. In optional applications, such as flash radiotherapy on the human body, the area to be irradiated can be a lesion area. As shown in Figure 4, the left non-target region can be the left lung, the right non-target region can be the right lung, and the central non-target region can be the heart.

[0070] In some embodiments, determining multiple target angles of the multiple beam modules relative to the target based on the properties of the region to be irradiated includes: determining multiple target angles of the multiple beam modules relative to the target based on the relative positional relationship between the region to be irradiated and surrounding non-target regions. This can reduce damage to surrounding tissues and decrease the side effects of radiation.

[0071] It can be understood that the non-target area refers to the area outside the area to be irradiated. For example, referring to Figure 1, the target object enters the interior of the rotating assembly, allowing its specific area to be irradiated to be adjusted to the target. Then, based on the relative positional relationship between the current area to be irradiated and the surrounding non-target areas, multiple target angles of multiple beam modules relative to the target are calculated.

[0072] For example, referring to Figure 4, detailed images of non-target areas can be obtained through CT scans to determine the location of the area to be irradiated and its relative position to other non-target areas. The optimal irradiation angle can then be calculated.

[0073] For example, the target angles of each beam module can be calculated based on geometric optimization. This involves inputting the 3D coordinates of the irradiated area and surrounding non-target areas (obtained using imaging equipment), and then constructing a 3D model of the irradiated area and key non-target areas to facilitate spatial relationship analysis. A risk function is defined, which comprehensively considers the radiation dose distribution and the sensitivity of the surrounding non-target areas. The goal is to find a set of angles that minimizes radiation to the surrounding non-target areas while ensuring sufficient dose to the irradiated area. Genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization (PSO), or other global optimization algorithms can be used to find the set of angles that minimizes the risk function. The optimal target angle for each beam module relative to the target is then output.

[0074] Alternatively, target angles can be calculated using machine learning algorithms. Historical target object radiation data can be collected and labeled, including the location information of the area to be irradiated and surrounding non-target areas, as well as the corresponding optimal beam angles. Key features are extracted from the historical target object radiation data, such as the center coordinates of the area to be irradiated and the minimum distance to surrounding non-target areas. Random forest algorithms, neural network algorithms, etc., are used to train the model to learn the relationship between features and optimal angles. For a new target object, its feature data (such as appearance, internal structure, etc.) is input, and the model predicts the optimal set of target angles.

[0075] Alternatively, the target angle can be calculated using the method shown in Figure 5 below.

[0076] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a flowchart of determining multiple target angles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] As shown in Figure 5, this embodiment determines multiple target angles relative to the target from the beam modules based on the relative positional relationship between the area to be irradiated and the surrounding non-target areas, including:

[0078] In operation S510, based on the included angles between each pair of multiple beam modules, the radiation beam path of each beam module, and the relative positional relationship, the simulation is performed to send radiation beams to the region to be irradiated at different candidate angles.

[0079] During operation of S520, multiple target angles are determined based on the spatial interference relationship between the simulated radiation beam and the surrounding non-target region at different candidate angles for each beam module. The spatial interference relationship includes whether the radiation beam passes through the surrounding non-target region.

[0080] For example, imaging equipment obtains three-dimensional coordinate data of multiple beam modules, the lesion area, and surrounding organs, thereby determining the angles between each pair of beam modules, the radiation beam path of each beam module, and their relative positions. Simulation software (such as Monte Carlo or medical 3D simulation software) is used to set simulation parameters, including the radiation beam path and dose of the beam modules. The path of the radiation beam through the patient's body is simulated, and the dose distribution in the lesion area and surrounding organs is calculated. The angles of each beam module are adjusted, and the simulation process is repeated until an optimal set of angles is found. Optionally, these angles can then be displayed to the operator through a software interface, guiding the operator or automated system to adjust the beam modules.

[0081] According to embodiments of this disclosure, finding the optimal angle in advance by simulating beam emission can avoid unnecessary damage to non-target areas during actual radiation.

[0082] In some embodiments, the plurality of target angles includes at least one avoidance angle, and the radiation beam emitted by the beam module with the avoidance angle is configured to avoid surrounding non-target areas and hit the area to be irradiated.

[0083] In some embodiments, the plurality of target angles include at least one protection angle, wherein the radiation beam emitted by the beam module with the protection angle is configured to penetrate the surrounding non-target area and hit the area to be irradiated, and the radiation dose is less than the radiation dose of the radiation beam that avoids the surrounding non-target area.

[0084] For example, if the total dose requirement is 100 cGy, the five target doses allocated to the five beam modules could be 30 cGy, 20 cGy, 10 cGy, 15 cGy, and 25 cGy. If it is impossible to avoid surrounding non-target areas, the radiation dose is reduced accordingly, for example, by 10 cGy. However, this results in a smaller dose compared to a radiation beam that avoids non-target areas (such as a beam with a dose of 30 cGy).

[0085] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by adjusting the target angle of each beam module, the desired area on the target object can be precisely radiated, and the radiation dose can be effectively avoided or reduced for non-target areas, thereby avoiding adverse effects on the target object.

[0086] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a flowchart of controlling the emission of a radiation beam according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] The location of the area to be irradiated can be dynamic, for example, the lesion in the human body changes dynamically with the patient's physiological movements (such as breathing, speaking, etc.). As shown in Figure 6, this embodiment is one embodiment of operating S220, including:

[0088] When operating the S610, the current position of the area to be irradiated is detected in real time; for example, real-time imaging technology is used to monitor changes in the position of the area to be irradiated on a container.

[0089] When operating the S620, during the time the area to be irradiated is located within the target area, multiple beam modules are controlled to alternately emit multiple radiation beams towards the area at different radiation angles. For example, if the lesion area remains within the target area for 0.3 seconds during the patient's respiratory cycle, then the alternating beam emission is completed within 0.3 seconds.

[0090] According to embodiments of this disclosure, real-time detection enables each radiation beam to accurately locate the dynamically changing radiation area.

[0091] The above one or more embodiments have the following beneficial effects: providing multiple beam modules to send radiation beams from different angles to the target area, each radiation beam meeting the ultra-high dose rate radiation requirements, reducing the impact on the target object by radiating from different angles, and completing the spatial segmentation of radiation dose. By switching between different radiation sources through alternating beam output, the radiation requirements for switching angles can be achieved in a very short time, achieving the purpose of rapid multi-angle radiation.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described in the various embodiments of this disclosure can be combined and / or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly described in this disclosure. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments of this disclosure can be combined and / or combined in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of this disclosure. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0093] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. However, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Although various embodiments have been described above, this does not mean that the measures in the various embodiments cannot be used advantageously in combination. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Various substitutions and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and all such substitutions and modifications should fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for ultra-high dose rate radiation, comprising: Multiple beam modules are controlled to be located at multiple target positions in a one-to-one correspondence, so as to form different radiation angles relative to the same target; When the target area is located within the target region, the multiple beam modules are controlled to alternately emit multiple radiation beams towards the target region from different radiation angles, wherein each of the multiple radiation beams has an ultra-high dose rate.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The control of multiple beam modules to be located at multiple target positions in a one-to-one correspondence includes: Determine multiple target angles of the multiple beam modules relative to the target based on the properties of the region to be irradiated; If there is no corresponding target angle between any beam module and the target, control the beam module to move to the target position.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Determining the multiple target angles of the multiple beam modules relative to the target based on the properties of the region to be irradiated includes: Based on the relative positional relationship between the region to be irradiated and the surrounding non-target regions, multiple target angles of the multiple beam modules relative to the target are determined, wherein the non-target regions include regions outside the region to be irradiated.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The step of determining the multiple target angles of the multiple beam modules relative to the target based on the relative positional relationship between the area to be irradiated and the surrounding non-target areas includes: Based on the included angles between each pair of the multiple beam modules, the radiation beam path of each beam module, and the relative positional relationship, the system simulates each beam module sending a radiation beam to the region to be irradiated at different candidate angles. The multiple target angles are determined based on the spatial interference relationship between the simulated radiation beam and the non-target region at different candidate angles for each beam module.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of target angles includes at least one avoidance angle, and the radiation beam emitted by the beam module having the avoidance angle is configured to avoid the non-target area and hit the area to be irradiated.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The plurality of target angles includes at least one protection angle, wherein the radiation beam emitted by the beam module having the protection angle is configured to pass through the non-target area and hit the area to be irradiated, and the radiation dose is less than the radiation dose of the radiation beam that avoids the non-target area.

7. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The control of the multiple beam modules to alternately emit multiple radiation beams towards the target from the different radiation angles includes: Real-time detection of the current position of the area to be irradiated; During the time period when the current position of the area to be irradiated is located at the target, the multiple beam modules are controlled to alternately emit multiple radiation beams to the area to be irradiated at different radiation angles.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7, wherein, The plurality of beam modules are arranged in a ring around the rotary assembly, and the target is located on the rotation axis of the rotary assembly. The control of multiple beam modules, each corresponding to a different target location, includes: The rotary assembly is controlled to rotate, thereby moving the plurality of beam modules to the plurality of target positions corresponding to each other.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The plurality of beam modules are arranged in a ring around the rotary assembly, including: The position of any one beam module is configured to avoid the radiation beam path of each of the other beam modules.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7 or 9, wherein, Within a time period of less than or equal to 1 second, the plurality of beam modules alternately emit multiple radiation beams; and / or, For any two adjacent transmitting radiation beam modules, the transmitting radiation beam is switched within a time of less than or equal to 1 second.

11. An ultra-high dose rate radiation device, comprising: Rotary component; Multiple beam modules for emitting multiple radiation beams, wherein the multiple beam modules are arranged in a ring around the rotary assembly, and the rotary assembly drives the multiple beam modules to move to multiple target positions corresponding to each other by rotating. A control unit for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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