Micromegas Particle Beam Detector with Multi-Coordinate Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle beam detectors face challenges in accurately measuring both the precise transverse position and fluence (intensity) of ionizing particle beams, particularly in hadron therapy, where radiation flux is difficult to measure, leading to cautious treatment planning and limited effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A particle beam detector system utilizing Micromegas technology with a multi-layer array arrangement of interconnected conductive sensor pads on a PCB, featuring three planar coordinates (X, Y, and ST) and a dielectric lattice structure, allowing for high coordinate position resolution with fewer electronic readout channels, enhancing radiation resistance and cost-efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional particle beam detectors are used, then radiation flux measurement is possible, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient leading to cautious treatment planning
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple independent sensor pads arranged in a multi-coordinate grid pattern, allowing precise localization of particle interactions and measurement of fluence distribution across different spatial regions, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-coordinate readout capability that adds dimensional information to particle detection, enabling three-dimensional position reconstruction and comprehensive fluence measurement, which significantly enhances measurement precision and provides more reliable data for treatment planning
2Measurement precision
If high coordinate position resolution is achieved, then beam position measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor pad in the multi-coordinate array is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting particle position in multiple coordinates, measuring fluence, and providing spatial distribution information, thereby achieving high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple coordinate systems and measurement functions into a single integrated sensor pad array, where each pad simultaneously provides information for multiple coordinates, reducing the overall complexity of the readout system while maintaining high position resolution
3Reliability
If radiation resistance is enhanced, then detector performance under high radiation doses improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs specific material parameter selections and structural parameter optimizations in the sensor pads and supporting structures that inherently provide radiation resistance, achieving improved reliability under high radiation doses through parameter optimization rather than complex manufacturing processes
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
The system provides precise measurement of beam position and fluence with high spatial and time resolution, enabling accurate treatment planning and quality assurance in proton therapy, with a dynamic range capable of resolving complex fluence variations and maintaining performance under high radiation doses.
Implementation Method 1
When the electron 22 arrives close to the micro-mesh 12, the electron enters 22 an electric field (typically on the order of 4 kilovolts/cm (kV/cm) in the amplification gap d2). Accelerated by the electric field, the electron 22 reaches enough energy to produce ion/electron pairs that will also ionize the gas 16, creating pairs in what is known as the avalanche effect 28.
Implementation Method 2
While passing through the detector 8, the particle(s) 10 will ionize gas atoms 20 by pulling up an electron 22 creating an electron 22/ion 20 pair.
Implementation Method 3
When an electric field is present, such as in the order of 400 volts/centimeter (V/cm), the electron 22 can drift 24 toward the amplification electrode (micro-mesh 12) and the ion toward the cathode or cathode plane 26.
Data Source
AI summary
A particle beam detector system can comprise a particle beam generator, a particle beam fluence and position detector array based on Micromegas technology, and data readout electronics coupled to the position detector array. The particle beam fluence and position detector array can comprise a sealed, gas-filled, ionizing radiation detector chamber. A printed circuit board (PCB) can be disposed within the ionizing radiation detector chamber, the PCB comprising a multi-layer array arrangement of interconnected conductive sensor pads comprising three planar coordinate grids, X, Y, and ST (stereo) situated on separate layers of the PCB. The multi-layer array arrangement of interconnected conductive sensor pads can comprise a first footprint. A dielectric lattice structure can be disposed over the PCB and the multi-layer array arrangement of sensors. A conductive mesh structure can comprise a second footprint disposed over the dielectric lattice structure and extending over an entire area of the first footprint.