Multi-Resolution Detector for Charged Particle Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation therapy systems, particularly those using charged particle pencil beams, face challenges in achieving high-resolution detection of radiation dose and beam position over large areas without increasing costs and data transmission burdens, due to the need for high-resolution detectors with numerous readout channels.
Innovation Solution
A multi-resolution detector system comprising a high-resolution first pixelated electrode and a lower-resolution second pixelated electrode, where the first electrode has smaller pixels connected in parallel for high-resolution output and the second electrode provides approximate physical position data, allowing for accurate determination of beam position and intensity distribution with reduced complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of readout channels is increased to achieve high resolution over large area, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple sub-arrays, each with its own readout channel. By segmenting the large-area detector into smaller functional units, the system achieves high resolution across the entire area without requiring a single complex readout system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional strip electrodes to two-dimensional pixelated electrodes arranged in sub-arrays. This dimensional change allows for more efficient packing and readout of detector elements, enabling high-resolution detection across large areas with reduced readout channel requirements compared to traditional linear arrangements
2Measurement precision
If the number of readout channels is increased to achieve high resolution over large area, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detector into multiple identical or similar sub-arrays, the system can use standardized, lower-cost readout channels for each sub-array rather than requiring expensive custom high-capacity readout systems. This modular approach reduces manufacturing costs while achieving the desired resolution through the combined output of multiple sub-arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of simpler pixelated electrode sub-arrays instead of a single complex high-resolution detector. Each sub-array is a replicated unit with its own readout channel, and the collective data from these copies provides the high-resolution measurement, reducing the cost per channel while maintaining overall detection precision
3Measurement precision
If high-capacity data link is used to transmit large volume of data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data transmission system is segmented into multiple independent data links, one for each sub-array. This segmentation allows for simpler, lower-bandwidth communication channels compared to a single high-capacity link that would need to carry all detector data. The segmented approach reduces the complexity of the data transmission infrastructure while maintaining the ability to resolve fine details through combined sub-array data
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 high-resolution monitoring and control of charged particle pencil beams with less expensive components, reducing the number of readout channels and data load, thus enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of radiation therapy while minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first pixelated electrode including a plurality of sub-arrays of first pixels that detect an electrical current created by an incident charged particle pencil beam
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-resolution detector includes a high-resolution pixelated electrode and a low-resolution pixelated electrode. The high-resolution pixelated electrode includes a plurality of sub-arrays of first pixels. Each respective first pixel at each relative position in each sub-array is electrically connected in parallel with one another. The low-resolution pixelated electrode includes a plurality of second pixels. A control system receives as inputs an output from each pixelated detector. The control system uses the inputs to determine a physical position and a transverse intensity distribution of an incident charged particle pencil beam at the resolution of the high-resolution pixelated electrode.