3D Beam-Forming X-Ray Source for Steerable Dose Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional miniature X-ray sources used in intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) are expensive, have a limited useful operating life, may not provide optimal voltage for therapeutic effects, and have difficulty in controlling radiation characteristics for conformal radiation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling an electron beam to generate X-ray radiation, involving an electron beam generator, a drift tube maintained at vacuum pressure, a target element, and a beam-former structure. The electron beam is steered to intersect the target element at varying locations, allowing control of the X-ray beam pattern and direction by adjusting the intersection point and using shield walls to divide the target into segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional miniature X-ray sources are used for IORT, then the X-ray source is compact and can be used in intraoperative procedures, but the source is expensive and has a limited useful operating life requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into multiple target elements arranged in different spatial locations and orientations. Each target element can be independently bombarded by the electron beam, allowing the system to generate X-rays in multiple directions simultaneously. This segmentation enables a single X-ray source to replace multiple conventional sources, extending operational life and reducing replacement frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electron beam is made steerable and movable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the beam direction and intersection points with different target elements. This dynamic control enables the single X-ray source to adapt its radiation pattern in real-time, providing versatile treatment capabilities that would otherwise require multiple fixed sources.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional miniature X-ray sources are used for IORT, then the source is compact, but the radiation characteristics are difficult to control for conformal radiation therapy
Solution Approach 1:
Different target elements are positioned at different locations and orientations to produce X-rays with different radiation characteristics. By selecting which target elements to bombard and how to steer the electron beam, the system can locally optimize the radiation pattern for specific treatment requirements, enabling conformal radiation therapy with a compact source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls X-ray beam parameters (direction, intensity, pattern) by changing the electron beam parameters (steering angle, intersection location, energy). This parametric control allows precise adjustment of radiation characteristics to match treatment plans, providing ease of operation despite the compact source size.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional miniature X-ray sources are used for IORT, then the source is compact, but the voltage available may not be optimal for desired therapeutic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple target elements can be designed with different materials and geometries optimized for different voltage ranges and therapeutic effects. The electron beam voltage can be adjusted independently for each target element group, allowing the compact source to deliver optimal voltage for the desired therapeutic effect while maintaining small size.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise control over the X-ray beam direction and pattern, allowing for optimized X-ray dose delivery in various directions, thereby improving the effectiveness and efficiency of IORT procedures while reducing costs associated with frequent source replacements.
Implementation Method 1
The filament produces electrons (by means of thermionic emission, field emission, or similar means)
Implementation Method 2
When the electrons are decelerated in the target material of the anode, they produce X-rays
Implementation Method 3
The drift tube is maintained at a vacuum pressure to minimize attenuation of the electron beam
Implementation Method 4
X-ray radiation is caused to interact with a beam-former structure disposed proximate the target element to form an X-ray beam
Implementation Method 5
certain operations associated with X-ray beam control are facilitated by absorbing a portion of the X-ray radiation with the beam-former structure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating X-ray photons. The methods comprise: generating an electron beam; positioning hollow pedestals in the path of the electron beam (the hollow pedestals being radially spaced apart from each other and extending out and away from a major planar face of a base plate); generating X-ray radiation as a result of an interaction of the electron beam with target element(s) disposed at a distal end of a respective pedestal of the hollow pedestals; causing the X-ray radiation to interact with a beam shield comprising wall elements extending out and away from the major planar face of the base plate; and setting at least one of a beam shape and direction of the X-ray radiation by selectively controlling a location where the electron beam intersects the target element(s) to determine an interaction of the X-ray radiation with the wall elements.