Dual-Source Cyclotron Beam Combining for Compact BNCT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cyclotrons are large and expensive, producing insufficient current for low energy, high intensity proton or deuteron beams required for boron neutron capture therapy, necessitating a compact and efficient system to generate beams with intensity values approximately twice as high as conventional cyclotrons.
Innovation Solution
A cyclotron design with asymmetrical magnetic and electric fields to combine two internal ion sources into a single beam, and an accelerating system combining multiple cyclotrons to achieve high intensity low energy beams, using parallel or stacked configurations with shared components to reduce footprint and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional cyclotrons are used to generate proton or deuteron beams, then the system is relatively compact compared to linear accelerators, but the beam current intensity is insufficient (only 1-3 mA) for producing enough epithermal neutrons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two or more cyclotrons in parallel to merge their individual beams into a single high-intensity beam. Multiple ion sources (first and second internal ion sources) are integrated into a single cyclotron system, with their respective beams combined through beam combining optics to achieve current intensities of 6-20 mA, sufficient for efficient epithermal neutron production
2Use of energy by moving object
If a 30 MeV cyclotron is used to generate high energy beams, then sufficient beam energy is achieved, but the system footprint and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the beam energy parameter to match the specific requirements of BNCT applications. Instead of using high energy 30 MeV beams, the system operates at lower energies (2.5-5 MeV) which are sufficient for producing epithermal neutrons through nuclear reactions with lithium or boron targets, thereby reducing system footprint and cost while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
3Area of stationary object
If a 2.5 to 5 MeV cyclotron is designed for BNCT applications, then system footprint and cost are reduced, but achieving high beam intensity (6-20 mA) becomes significantly more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes the intensity limitation at low energies by merging multiple beam streams. Two or more cyclotrons operating in parallel, each with their own ion source, combine their beams to achieve the required 6-20 mA intensity. The beam combining section integrates these multiple low-energy beams into a single high-intensity beam, enabling compact system design without sacrificing current intensity
4Quantity of substance
If two internal ion sources are used simultaneously in a cyclotron, then beam current intensity is doubled, but the system requires two different extraction outlets and two distinct targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate beam paths into a single combined beam through beam combining optics. The first and second beams from the respective ion sources are steered and focused to converge at a common extraction outlet, forming a single combined beam that strikes a single target. This integration reduces system complexity while maintaining the doubled current intensity benefit
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
The system produces low energy, high intensity proton or deuteron beams suitable for boron neutron capture therapy, with enhanced beam current and reduced installation size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generator (7B, 7C) configured to produce a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a generator (7RF) configured to apply an alternating high voltage between the dee electrode assembly (5D) and the counter dee (5C) for producing an accelerating electric field in the gap (5G), for accelerating the first and second beams (1.11, 1.12) of charged particles
Implementation Method 3
The cyclotron is configured to create a local asymmetry of the accelerating electric field and / or of the magnetic field configured to deviate the first and / or second trajectories such as to drive through a single extraction outlet the combined beam formed by the first and second beams
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3a~4d
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
The invention relates to a cyclotron comprising first and second internal ion sources configured to form first and second beams of the same charged particles, wherein the cyclotron is also configured to create a local asymmetry of the accelerating electric field and / or of the magnetic field so as to combine the first and second beams to form a combined beam and to drive te combined beam through a single extraction outlet. The invention also concerns an accelerating system comprising N cyclotrons, of which M > 0 are according to the present invention. The invention also concerns an apparatus for treating a patient by BNCT comprising an accelerating system according to the present invention, a target configured to emit an epithermal beam of neutrons upon bombarding with a multi-combined beam of protons or deuterons, and a treatment area configured to hold a patient to be treated within a treatment zone.