Diagonal Optical Fiber Sensor for Proton Beam Dose Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting therapeutic proton beams emitted in a scattering mode are inefficient due to the need to move water phantoms or sensors, leading to long measurement times and reduced accuracy in detecting dose distribution and symmetry.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus with diagonally or parallelly arranged optical fibers of varying lengths is used to detect proton beams, allowing for precise detection of proton dose and symmetry without moving the water phantom, improving spatial resolution and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical fibers with different lengths are used to measure dose distribution at different depths, then dose information can be obtained, but the water phantom must be moved to detect distance and dose for each position, resulting in long measurement time and decreased efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple detection modules, where each module contains optical fibers of specific lengths corresponding to different depth ranges. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of dose information at multiple depths without moving the phantom, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential measurement (moving phantom along depth axis) to two-dimensional simultaneous measurement by arranging optical fibers of different lengths in parallel. This dimensional change enables multiple depth points to be measured concurrently, dramatically improving measurement efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the water phantom position is moved to detect proton beam parameters at different positions, then accurate position and dose information can be obtained, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Optical fibers of various lengths are pre-positioned within the water phantom before measurement begins. This preliminary arrangement of detection elements at different depths eliminates the need for sequential phantom movement during measurement, thereby reducing measurement time while preserving position and dose detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system of moving the water phantom is replaced with an optical detection system where light transmission through fibers of different lengths provides depth information. This substitution eliminates mechanical movement entirely, reducing measurement time while maintaining precision through optical measurement principles.
3Measurement precision
If optical fibers are arranged to detect proton beam in scattering mode, then dose distribution can be measured, but interference between fibers and positioning difficulty reduce measurement efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Each detection module is designed with local optimization where optical fibers are arranged with specific spacing and orientation tailored to their depth position. This local quality approach minimizes interference between adjacent fibers at each depth level while maintaining overall system simplicity, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
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 quick and efficient detection of proton beam dose information and symmetry, enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing the time required for data collection.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector which detects light generated by the reference optical fiber and the detection optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a proton beam detection device comprising a sensor having optical fiber of an arrangement structure capable of accurately and efficiently detecting proton dose distribution such as bragg peak, spread out bragg peak (SOBP) and symmetry of a therapeutic proton beam emitted in a scattering mode. The proton beam detection device, which detects a proton beam emitted from a proton beam source in a scattering mode, comprises a sensor having a plurality of detection modules including reference optical fiber and detection optical fiber having a length longer than the length of the reference optical fiber, the plurality of detection modules being diagonally arranged in the depth direction along which the proton beam emitted from the proton beam source proceeds.