Laser-Driven Proton Beam Generation for Compact Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proton therapy systems are hindered by the high costs and inefficiencies of large, cumbersome particle accelerators, which limit the availability and effectiveness of proton beam generation, leading to longer treatment times and reduced patient throughput due to the complexity and size of these systems.
Innovation Solution
A system for generating proton beams using an electromagnetic radiation source and an ion-generating target, with a processor controlling the movement and energy distribution of the proton beam in three-dimensional space, allowing for precise adjustment of proton energy and flux, and utilizing components like magnetic analyzers and energy degraders to optimize beam delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large particle accelerators are used to generate proton beams, then reliable proton therapy treatment is achieved, but system size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential proton generation function from the large accelerator system by using a focused laser beam to directly ionize a hydrogen-containing target, separating the ionization step from the acceleration step. This allows proton beam generation without requiring the massive infrastructure of traditional accelerators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic acceleration system with an optical system (laser). The laser field provides the electric field necessary for proton acceleration through optical fields, eliminating the need for large mechanical accelerator components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If complex accelerator-based systems are used, then sufficient proton beam energy is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the proton therapy process into distinct stages: proton generation via laser-induced ionization, beam transport, energy modulation, and treatment delivery. This allows each stage to be optimized independently with simpler, more specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses energy degraders and modulators to change the energy parameters of the proton beam after generation. This allows the use of a simpler, lower-energy laser system while still achieving the required treatment energies through controlled energy modification downstream.
3Reliability
If traditional accelerator systems are used, then proton beam generation is reliable, but treatment time increases and patient throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed laser operation to generate proton beams in discrete, high-intensity bursts. This periodic action allows for rapid repetition of the proton generation cycle, increasing the number of patients that can be treated per unit time while maintaining beam quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary proton generation and beam formation in a compact setup before patient treatment, allowing for rapid setup changes between patients and minimizing treatment preparation 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
This approach enables more efficient, precise, and cost-effective proton beam generation, reducing the size and complexity of treatment systems, thereby improving patient throughput and minimizing damage to healthy tissues by allowing for real-time adjustments in proton beam energy and flux.
Implementation Method 1
interactions between an electromagnetic radiation beam and an ion-generating target
Implementation Method 2
utilizing components like magnetic analyzers
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for treating a patient using protons include a proton source configured to provide a proton beam having a plurality of proton energies and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to control relative movement between the proton beam and the patient in two dimensions, and to control the proton energy distribution to adjust the penetration depth of the protons in the third dimension while maintaining substantially fixed coordinates in the other two dimensions. Such treatment systems allow for shorter treatment times, higher patient throughput, more precise treatment of the desired areas, and less collateral damage to healthy tissue.