FLASH Radiotherapy X-Ray Target with Purging Magnet Heat Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray targets and components are not suitable for the high beam currents and instantaneous dose rates required in FLASH radiotherapy, leading to deterioration and potential destruction, and existing systems are not compatible with the high power levels and thermal stresses associated with this treatment method.
Innovation Solution
A radiotherapy system featuring a bremsstrahlung X-ray target made of refractory metals, a purging magnet to redirect unwanted particles, and a particle collector to absorb these particles, minimizing energy absorption and heat generation, allowing for reliable high dose rate radiotherapy while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional X-ray targets are used to generate high dose rate radiotherapy, then the instantaneous dose rate can be increased, but the X-ray target deteriorates and is destroyed due to thermal stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy absorption function between two components: the X-ray target (which generates X-rays) and the particle collector (which absorbs unwanted particles). This segmentation allows the X-ray target to operate at high dose rates without absorbing all the beam energy, preventing thermal destruction while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
A particle collector is introduced as an intermediary component between the linear accelerator and the treatment area. This particle collector absorbs unwanted particles and redirects them away from the X-ray target, protecting the target from thermal damage while allowing the high dose rate treatment to proceed
2Power
If conventional X-ray targets are used for FLASH radiotherapy, then high power levels can be achieved, but thermal cycling causes the targets to crack and melt
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful thermal energy is extracted from the system by redirecting unwanted particles away from the X-ray target using a purging magnet and particle collector. This prevents thermal cycling and maintains the structural integrity of the target while allowing high power operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the conventional single-component X-ray target with a multi-component system involving magnetic fields (purging magnet) and a particle collector. This substitution allows for precise control of particle trajectories and energy distribution, preventing thermal damage through non-mechanical means
3Loss of time
If high beam currents are used to achieve FLASH radiotherapy, then the treatment time is reduced, but conventional components are not suitable and system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using a purging magnet to redirect unwanted particles away from sensitive components before they can cause damage. This preventive measure allows the system to operate reliably at high beam currents and short treatment times
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by introducing a particle collector that can handle high beam currents without deteriorating. This allows the instantaneous dose rate to be increased to FLASH levels while maintaining system reliability through improved component design
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 effectively handles high dose rates, reduces thermal stress, and maintains system reliability by dissipating excess energy, enabling efficient and safe delivery of FLASH radiotherapy while being compatible with existing radiotherapy systems.
Implementation Method 1
a linear accelerator configured to accelerate a stream of electrons to an energy of, for example, at least 50 MeV
Implementation Method 2
a bremsstrahlung X-ray target configured to convert a portion of the stream of electrons into X-rays
Implementation Method 3
a purging magnet configured to redirect residual particles escaping from the bremsstrahlung X-ray target while passing the X-rays
Implementation Method 4
a particle collector configured to absorb the escaping particles subsequent to redirection by the purging magnet. The particle collector is configured to dissipate at least 50% of the energy of the incident electron beam
Data Source
AI summary
A radiotherapy system includes an X-ray target configured to convert an incident electron beam into a therapeutic X-ray beam, a purging magnet configured to redirect unwanted particles emitted from the X-ray target away from the therapeutic X-ray beam, and a particle collector configured to absorb the unwanted particles subsequent to redirection by the purging magnet. The particle collector may be configured to dissipate at least 50% of the energy of the incident electron beam.