3D Beam-Forming X-Ray Target for Conformal Dose Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional miniature X-ray sources used in intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) are expensive, have a limited 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 by positioning a target element in the beam's path, using a beam-former structure to control the beam pattern and direction, and varying the electron beam's intersection location with the target element to adjust the X-ray dose and radiation direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional miniature X-ray sources are used for IORT, then the X-ray source can be positioned close to the tumor bed, but the operating life is very limited and the source must be replaced after a limited number of patients
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into multiple independently controllable target segments, each capable of being selectively bombarded by the electron beam. This segmentation allows the system to extend operating life by distributing wear across multiple segments and enables reliable operation by maintaining consistent performance through selective use of healthy segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including electron beam voltage, current, and target segment selection to optimize performance and extend operating life. By varying these parameters, the system can operate at lower intensities when possible and switch between target segments to distribute wear, thereby improving both duration of action and reliability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional miniature X-ray sources are used for IORT, then the X-ray source can be compact, but the expense is very high due to limited useful operating life requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into multiple independently controllable target segments, each capable of being selectively bombarded by the electron beam. This segmentation allows the system to extend operating life by distributing wear across multiple segments and enables reliable operation by maintaining consistent performance through selective use of healthy segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by automatically switching between multiple target segments as they are bombarded by the electron beam. This continuous operation without interruption extends the effective operating life of the X-ray source, reducing the frequency of replacement and associated costs.
3Power
If conventional miniature X-ray sources are used for IORT, then the X-ray source can be small, but the voltage available is moderately high and may not be optimal for the desired therapeutic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including electron beam voltage, current, and target segment selection to optimize performance and extend operating life. By varying these parameters, the system can operate at lower intensities when possible and switch between target segments to distribute wear, thereby improving both duration of action and reliability.
4Ease of operation
If conventional miniature X-ray sources are used for IORT, then the X-ray source can be compact, but the radiation characteristics are difficult to control for conformal radiation therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into multiple independently controllable target segments, each capable of being selectively bombarded by the electron beam. This segmentation allows the system to extend operating life by distributing wear across multiple segments and enables reliable operation by maintaining consistent performance through selective use of healthy segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls which target segments are bombarded by the electron beam based on real-time treatment requirements. This dynamic control enables precise adjustment of radiation characteristics including beam direction, intensity distribution, and spatial pattern, achieving conformal radiation therapy with high precision.
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 allows for precise control of X-ray beam direction and pattern, extending the operating life of X-ray sources, reducing costs, and improving the suitability for conformal radiation therapy by optimizing X-ray delivery.
Implementation Method 1
A very high voltage of 50 kV up to 250 kV is applied across the cathode and the anode, and a relatively low voltage is applied to a filament to heat the cathode. The filament produces electrons (by means of thermionic emission, field emission, or similar means)
Implementation Method 2
The high voltage potential between the cathode and the anode causes electrons to flow across the vacuum from the cathode to the anode with a very high velocity
Implementation Method 3
When the electrons are decelerated in the target material of the anode, they produce X-rays
Implementation Method 4
The wavelengths of X-ray radiation most commonly used for IORT purposes correspond to a type of X-ray radiation that is sometimes referred to as fluorescent X-rays, characteristic X-rays, or Bremsstrahlung X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
X-ray target element is comprised of a planar wafer. The planar wafer element includes a target layer and a substrate layer. The target layer is comprised of an element having a relatively high atomic number and the substrate layer is comprised of diamond. The substrate layer is configured to support the target layer and facilitate transfer of thermal energy away from the target layer.