Ion Chamber Electrode Architecture for High-Speed Beam Readout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional position detectors for charged particle beams in radiation therapy are limited by slow data rates, which cannot meet the high data rate requirements of FLASH irradiation, necessitating a new approach for rapid centroid determination.
Innovation Solution
A position detector system comprising interleaved electrode sets in parallel planes, coupled with a readout circuit that includes current-voltage amplifiers and an analog-to-digital converter, allows for rapid determination of beam centroid positions using analog circuitry, bypassing digital and processor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If projection strip detectors with multiple discrete strips are used to achieve sufficient positional accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but data rate is limited to few kHz due to slow affordable high-channel density electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into two single-axis detectors, each measuring position along one axis. This segmentation allows each detector to use fewer electrode elements (32 strips) while still achieving the required positional accuracy when combined with the orthogonal detector, thereby enabling high-speed readout electronics to operate at the required 100-1000 kHz data rates
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single 2D detector plane to two 1D detector planes oriented orthogonally to each other. By measuring positions along two separate axes independently and combining the results, the system achieves equivalent 2D positional accuracy while using high-speed electronics capable of handling the required data rates for FLASH irradiation
2Device complexity
If conventional electronics are used to digitize and process strip detector data, then device complexity is reduced, but speed is limited to few kHz range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional slow digital electronics with custom high-speed electronics specifically designed for the detector. This substitution enables the system to achieve the required 100-1000 kHz data rates by optimizing the electronic readout circuitry for high-speed operation, rather than using off-the-shelf components that are limited to few kHz
3Measurement precision
If more discrete strips per axis are used to improve positional accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and data rate limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total number of strips required for accurate centroid determination is segmented across two orthogonal detectors. Each detector uses 32 strips along its axis, which is manageable with high-speed electronics, while the combined information from both detectors provides sufficient 2D positional accuracy without requiring each individual detector to have excessive numbers of strips
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 accurate determination of charged particle beam positions, supporting high data rates required for FLASH irradiation and ensuring safety in time-sensitive applications.
Implementation Method 1
As the ionizing beam passes through the detector, it creates a cloud of charge along its path. The charge cloud is driven by the electric field to the single-axis detectors.
Implementation Method 2
A first high-voltage plane; a first single-axis detector disposed in a first detector plane... a second high-voltage plane, the first single-axis detector disposed between the first and second high-voltage planes... a third high-voltage plane
Data Source
AI summary
A position detector for a charged particle beam comprises high-voltage planes, a first single-axis detector, and a second single-axis detector. The first single-axis detector includes a first electrode set having first shapes in a first orientation, spatially distributed with respect to a first axis, and electrically connected to one another; and a second electrode set having the first shapes in a second orientation, spatially distributed with respect to the first axis, interleaved with the first electrode set, and electrically connected to one another. The second single-axis detector includes a third electrode set having second shapes in a third orientation, spatially distributed with respect to a second axis, and electrically connected to one another; and a fourth electrode set having the second shapes in a fourth orientation, spatially distributed with respect to the second axis, interleaved with the third electrode set, and electrically connected to one another.