Laser-Driven Proton Beam Control for Compact Therapy Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proton therapy systems are hindered by the high cost, size, and complexity of accelerator-based technologies, leading to limited availability and increased treatment times due to cumbersome adjustments in beam properties.
Innovation Solution
A system for generating proton beams using an interaction chamber with an ion-generating target and an electromagnetic radiation source, where optics components and processors control the radiation beam's energy, polarization, spatial, and temporal profiles to adjust proton beam flux and energy efficiently, reducing system size and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accelerator-based systems are used for proton beam generation, then reliable proton therapy treatment is achieved, but system size, cost, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical accelerator-based proton generation system with an electromagnetic radiation-based system. Specifically, it uses electromagnetic radiation (such as lasers) to irradiate a target material, generating proton beams through electromagnetic interactions rather than mechanical acceleration processes. This substitution fundamentally simplifies the system architecture while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the proton generation system. Instead of using high-voltage electrical acceleration fields, it employs electromagnetic radiation parameters (intensity, duration, wavelength) to control proton beam generation. This parameter transformation enables a more compact and controllable system design.
2Use of energy by moving object
If accelerator-based systems are used for proton beam generation, then sufficient proton beam energy is achieved, but system size and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical accelerator infrastructure with an electromagnetic radiation delivery system. By using electromagnetic fields to generate and control proton beams, the system eliminates the need for massive accelerator components, thereby maintaining proton beam energy while dramatically reducing system mass and construction requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If accelerator-based systems are used for proton therapy, then adequate beam flux is achieved, but adjustment of beam properties becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities to the proton generation system. By using electromagnetic radiation parameters that can be rapidly adjusted (intensity, pulse duration, timing), the system enables real-time modification of proton beam properties including flux and energy. This dynamic control mechanism allows quick adaptation to different treatment requirements without cumbersome adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables flexible parameter changes in the proton generation process. By controlling electromagnetic radiation parameters, the system can rapidly adjust proton beam characteristics such as flux and energy distribution, making the system highly adaptable to different treatment scenarios and patient needs.
4Reliability
If accelerator-based systems are used for proton therapy, then effective tumor treatment is achieved, but treatment time increases and patient throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed electromagnetic radiation delivery to generate proton beams. This periodic action allows for rapid sequential treatment of multiple patients or multiple tumor sites, increasing patient throughput while maintaining effective dose delivery to tumors through controlled pulse sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control to accelerate the treatment process. By rapidly adjusting electromagnetic radiation parameters and enabling quick beam property changes, the system reduces treatment time per patient while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness, thereby increasing overall patient throughput and system productivity.
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
This approach enables more precise, efficient, and cost-effective proton beam generation, improving patient outcomes by reducing treatment time and increasing accessibility of proton therapy.
Implementation Method 1
interactions between an electromagnetic radiation beam and an ion-generating target
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic radiation beam having an energy, a polarization, a spatial profile, and a temporal profile... facilitate formation of a proton beam
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for generating a proton beam include an electromagnetic radiation beam (e.g., a laser) that is directed onto an ion-generating target by optics to form the proton beam. At least one processor is configured to control the source of the electromagnetic radiation and the optics to alter the energy, polarization, spatial profile, and/or the temporal profile of the electromagnetic radiation beam, and to adjust the flux and/or energy of the proton beam. In some instances the system may adjust the proton beam energy while holding the proton beam flux substantially constant, or alternatively adjust the proton beam flux while holding the proton beam energy substantially constant. In other instances the system may adjust the proton beam energy while varying the proton beam flux, and/or adjust the proton beam flux while varying the proton beam energy.