Ion Beam Gamma-Ray Detection with Edge-Coupled Scintillators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion beam therapy systems face challenges in accurately and reliably monitoring dose and range due to anatomical changes, tissue heterogeneities, and organ motion during treatment, leading to potential under-dosing of tumors or over-dosing of critical organs, particularly with proton or heavy ion therapies.
Innovation Solution
A gamma ray detection system integrating PET scanning and Compton camera functionality, utilizing stacked monolithic scintillator plates with photon sensors mounted along their edges, allowing for real-time detection of positron and prompt gamma rays, and employing a processing circuit to multiplex readouts, thereby enhancing spatial resolution and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PET scanners with face-coupled scintillator arrays are used, then detection coverage is sufficient, but the number of photon sensors required is very high, increasing system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from face-coupled photon sensors to edge-coupled photon sensors, changing the dimensional arrangement of the detection system. By mounting photon sensors on the lateral edges of scintillator plates rather than on the large front face, the system reduces the number of sensors needed while maintaining detection coverage through the stacked plate configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into multiple stacked scintillator plates with photon sensors on their edges. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive detection coverage through the vertical stacking arrangement, reducing the need for a large number of photon sensors on a single large face.
2Manufacturing precision
If beam energy is modulated to control penetration depth, then dose delivery precision is improved, but treatment planning complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time gamma ray detection and image reconstruction during ion beam delivery, providing feedback on the actual dose distribution and range. This feedback mechanism allows for verification and adjustment of the treatment plan, ensuring precise penetration depth control while managing complexity through automated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs treatment verification imaging and range assessment during the ion beam delivery process itself, rather than requiring separate pre-treatment imaging sessions. This preliminary action during treatment reduces overall treatment time and simplifies the workflow while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If patient imaging is performed right before each treatment session to verify target position, then treatment accuracy is improved, but treatment time and patient throughput decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time imaging and dose verification during the ion beam delivery process itself. By performing treatment verification imaging concurrently with treatment delivery rather than sequentially before treatment, the system maintains high target position accuracy while maximizing patient throughput and minimizing idle time.
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 safe, reliable, and accurate real-time control of ion beam therapy by simultaneously detecting positron and prompt gamma rays, improving dose and range verification, and reducing system complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of stacked monolithic scintillator plates each having a major surface oriented to generally face the target zone... detect and determine the position within the plane of the major surface of scintillation events in the scintillator plates from gamma rays incident on the major surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of photon sensors being mounted against each of said edges configured to detect and determine the position within the plane of the major surface of scintillation events in the scintillator plates from gamma rays incident on the major surfaces
Implementation Method 3
detection module assembly including at least two detection modules configured for positron emission tomography (PET) scanning of a target zone
Implementation Method 4
The gamma ray detection system is further configured to function as a Compton camera
Data Source
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AI summary
Gamma ray detection system (10) comprising a detection module assembly (13, 13a, 13b, 13c) including at least two detection modules (14, 14a, 14s) configured for positron emission tomography (PET) scanning of a target zone (4), each detection module comprising a plurality of stacked scintillator plates (16) each having a major surface (40a) oriented to generally face the target zone and lateral minor surfaces (40b) defining edges of the scintillator plates, a plurality of photon sensors (18) being mounted against said edges layer photon sensor (18a) configured to detect a scintillation event in the scintillator plate from a gamma ray incident on the major surface. The gamma ray detection system is further configured to function as a Compton camera, at least one scintillator plate that is not the scintillator plate closest to the target zone being configured as an absorber scintillator plate for said Compton camera.