Electrostatic Ion Beam Range Modulation for Moving Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion beam range adjustment technologies for therapeutic irradiation are slow, complex, and noisy, with range modulators of large size that cannot quickly adjust to moving target volumes, leading to inaccurate kinetic energy and increased noise for patients, and generate unwanted secondary fragments.
Innovation Solution
A device and process that includes a range adjustment device with varying thickness or material composition to alter the ion beam's energy loss, combined with sensors and deflection devices to adjust the beam's path, allowing for real-time compensation of target volume movement and precise energy modulation without the need for large, mechanically complex range modulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional range modulators are used for ion beam energy adjustment, then the ion beam range can be adjusted, but the adjustment is slow and cannot keep up with moving target volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wedge system with an electrostatic field-based range adjustment mechanism. Electrostatic deflectors create variable potential wells that modulate the ion beam energy without mechanical movement, enabling rapid response to moving target volumes while maintaining precise kinetic energy control through electric field parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic range adjustment system where the electrostatic field parameters can be changed in real-time to match the motion of the target volume. The system continuously adapts the potential well depth and position to maintain accurate Bragg peak placement on moving targets, providing both speed and reliability.
2Reliability
If large size range modulators are used, then the ion beam can be effectively modulated, but the device becomes complex and production intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical wedge systems and replaces them with electrostatic deflectors that create potential wells through electric fields. This substitution maintains effective ion beam modulation while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity, production requirements, and maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves range modulation by changing electric field parameters (voltage, potential well depth) rather than physically moving or changing the size of modulator components. This parameter-based control maintains modulation effectiveness while simplifying the device structure.
3Ease of operation
If range modulators are placed directly in front of the patient, then the ion beam can be adjusted, but the ion beam loses precise kinetic energy due to statically distributed energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs ion beam energy modulation before the beam reaches the patient by creating a potential well in flight. This preliminary energy adjustment ensures precise kinetic energy is delivered to the target, avoiding the problem of statically distributed energy loss that occurs when modulators are placed directly in front of the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrostatic potential well as an intermediary mechanism between the ion source and the patient. This intermediate field-based modulation stage allows precise kinetic energy control without requiring physical contact or close proximity to the patient, maintaining both ease of operation and energy precision.
4Use of energy by moving object
If conventional mechanical wedge systems are used for range adjustment, then the ion beam energy can be varied, but significant noise levels are generated that are unpleasant for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wedge systems that generate noise through physical movement with an electrostatic field-based system. The electrostatic deflectors create variable potential wells through electric field modulation without mechanical motion, eliminating noise generation while maintaining the ability to vary ion beam energy for range adjustment.
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
Enables quicker and more precise adjustment of the ion beam range to match moving target volumes, reducing noise and unwanted radiation doses, while maintaining precise kinetic energy and minimizing secondary fragments, thus improving therapeutic irradiation efficacy and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the ion beam experiences different energy losses when passing through different regions of the range adjustment device
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable first deflecting device, which is located in front of the range adjusting device in the axis of the ion beam, for deflecting the ion beam from its original axis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a device and a process for adjusting the range of an ion beam, in particular for irradiation in tumor therapy. For this purpose, first the reference position of a target volume to be irradiated is determined. Subsequently, the range of an ion beam is configured such that said beam is adjusted to the reference position of the target volume, in such a manner that the Bragg peak, i.e. the maximal energy loss and thereby the maximal damage occurs in the region of the target volume which is to be destroyed. In the case that it has been determined that the reference position has been altered by a movement of the target volume, the ion beam is then deflected from the beam axis such that the ion beam is directed to various regions of a range modulator, in order that the ion beam experience a correspondingly adjusted energy loss in passing through the range modulator. This energy loss is adjusted to correspond to the change in position of the target volume in such a manner that the change in position is compensated for by the adjustment of the range of the ion beam, and the Bragg peak is returned to the region within the target volume.