Laser-Driven Proton Beam Generation with Adaptive Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proton therapy systems are hindered by the high costs and complexity of accelerator-based proton beam generation, 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 an adaptive mirror and processor adjust the radiation beam to optimize proton beam generation, allowing for real-time feedback and adjustments in energy, flux, and spatial profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accelerator-based systems are used for proton beam generation, then reliable high-energy proton beams can be produced, but the system size and cost become excessively large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of proton acceleration from the complex accelerator infrastructure by using laser-electron interaction to generate electrons that subsequently strike a hydrogen target to produce protons. This removes the need for large particle accelerators while maintaining proton beam generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrons as an intermediary between the laser and the hydrogen target. The laser first accelerates electrons, which then interact with the hydrogen target to produce protons. This two-stage process enables compact proton generation without requiring direct laser-proton interaction.
2Quantity of substance
If accelerator-based systems are used for proton beam generation, then sufficient proton flux can be achieved, but the construction and maintenance costs become exorbitant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple hydrogen-containing target (such as a hydrogenated amorphous carbon film) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, replacing the expensive and complex accelerator components. The target is a consumable element that enables proton generation without requiring costly infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical accelerator system with an optical system (laser) combined with electron-hydrogen interaction. This substitution eliminates the need for large electromagnetic fields and complex acceleration structures, reducing both construction and operational costs.
3Ease of operation
If traditional proton therapy systems are used, then treatment can be provided, but beam property adjustments are cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic control of proton beam properties by adjusting laser parameters (intensity, duration, wavelength) and target characteristics. This allows real-time modification of proton energy, flux, and spatial distribution without mechanical adjustments, making the system highly adaptable and fast-responsive to treatment requirements.
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 reduces the size and complexity of proton therapy systems, enhances precision and configurability, and lowers costs, resulting in more efficient and accessible proton beam generation.
Implementation Method 1
directing the electromagnetic radiation beam at an ion-generating target within an interaction chamber to thereby cause a resultant proton beam
Implementation Method 2
one or more optics components configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation beam at the ion-generating target
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. A detector is configured to measure a laser-target interaction property, which a processor uses to produce a feedback signal that can be used to alter the proton beam by adjusting the source of the electromagnetic radiation beam, the optics, or a relative position or orientation of the electromagnetic radiation beam to the ion-generating target. By adjusting the laser-target interaction, the feedback can be used to control properties of the proton beam, such as the proton beam energy or flux. Such systems have certain advantages, including reducing the size, complexity, and cost of machines used to generate proton beams, while also improving their speed, precision, and configurability.