IMPT Phantom for Rapid Beam Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proton beam facilities face inefficiencies in the verification process of particle therapy apparatuses due to lengthy manual operations, which hinder the number of treatments that can be performed daily, as existing technologies are not suited for global verification of particle therapy apparatuses, particularly in intensity modulated particle therapy (IMPT) mode.
Innovation Solution
A phantom and method for quality assurance in IMPT mode, featuring a frame structure with X-ray transparent edges, wedges, blocks, high-density beads, and a 2D detector, allowing for alignment and verification of particle beams relative to X-ray systems, enabling rapid and reliable verification of beam characteristics and apparatus components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate measurement devices and manual operations are used for verifying beam characteristics at different energy levels, then measurement precision is improved, but verification time increases to 30-60 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate measurement devices into a single integrated phantom assembly that can simultaneously measure beam range, spot position, and spot size. The phantom integrates a water-equivalent material block with embedded ionization chambers, metallic beads, and a 2D detector array, allowing all measurements to be performed in one setup rather than requiring separate devices for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom is designed as a universal measurement device that can verify multiple beam characteristics (range, spot position, spot size, dose) across different beam energies using a single apparatus. The water-equivalent material and configurable detector positions enable the same phantom to perform functions previously requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate measurement devices are used for different beam characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single phantom device. The phantom combines a water-equivalent material block, ionization chambers for dose measurement, metallic beads for spot position verification, and a 2D detector array for spot size measurement, all integrated into one装置 that replaces multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom serves multiple measurement purposes simultaneously: it measures beam range through the water-equivalent material, spot position through metallic beads, spot size through the 2D detector array, and dose through ionization chambers. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Measurement precision
If manual adaptation of phantoms and measuring devices is performed for each verification, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to 30-60 minute verification times
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom is pre-configured with all necessary measurement components in fixed positions before verification. The ionization chambers, metallic beads, and 2D detector array are permanently positioned within the water-equivalent material block, eliminating the need for manual setup and adaptation during each verification procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom is designed to be self-contained and self-configuring. The fixed positioning of all measurement components within the phantom structure allows it to automatically perform measurements without requiring manual intervention for device adaptation or reconfiguration during the verification process.
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 fast and reliable verification of particle therapy apparatuses, reducing verification time to less than 10 minutes by automating processes and ensuring accurate alignment and measurement of beam characteristics, improving treatment facility efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the position of the Bragg peak at a given beam energy in a given target
Implementation Method 2
each spot having a predefined position and depth, with a pre-defined dose being prescribed for each spot
Implementation Method 3
spot position and spot size, measured by a suitable 2D-detector, for example an array of ionization chambers
Implementation Method 4
two or more X-ray systems each comprising an X-ray source and a 2D X-xay detector
Implementation Method 5
the deposited dose, measured by an absolute ionization chamber, for checking the output factor of the irradiation installation
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention provides a phantom and method for quality assurance of a particle therapy apparatus used in the intensity modulated particle therapy mode. The phantom comprises a frame structure; one or more wedges; a first and second block of material each having a first block face and a second block face parallel thereto; an absolute dosimeter arranged at said first block face; a plurality of beads of high density material located in said blocks and a 2D detector. The components are arranged in a known fixed position in relation to the frame structure. A central bead is maintained in a central known fixed position in relation to the frame structure. The components are arranged in the frame structure so that a beam will traverse the phantom, through the central bead, without traversing any material besides said central bead.