Particle Induced Radiography System for Proton Range Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high energy particle detectors in proton therapy face challenges in real-time range verification due to high radiation environments and inefficient gamma collimation, which limits their applicability and accuracy in cancer treatment.
Innovation Solution
A particle induced radiography system that includes a particle radiation source, beam control, an implant module with detection units, and an external detector device, enabling precise detection of proton location and gamma source distribution with high detection efficiency and collimation, while also allowing for 3D imaging of elemental distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional detectors are used in high radiation environment for range verification, then detection capability is maintained, but detection efficiency decreases and applicability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple independent detector elements arranged in an array configuration. Each element can independently detect gamma photons from different spatial locations, enabling simultaneous multi-point detection that increases overall detection efficiency while maintaining reliability in high radiation environments
Solution Approach 2:
A collimator is introduced as an intermediary component between the gamma source and detector elements. The collimator selectively allows gamma photons from specific directions to reach the detector while blocking others, enabling spatial resolution and improving detection accuracy without requiring the detector to directly face the high radiation source
2Measurement precision
If gamma collimation is improved for precise location detection, then measurement precision increases, but detection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple elements, each associated with a specific collimator. This segmentation allows parallel detection from multiple angles simultaneously, maintaining high spatial precision through collimation while increasing overall detection efficiency through multi-element concurrent measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from single-point detection to multi-dimensional spatial detection by arranging detector elements in an array. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve high precision location information through spatial distribution of multiple detectors, compensating for the efficiency loss from collimation
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring is implemented in proton therapy, then treatment accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to high radiation environment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is segmented into multiple independent elements that can be individually calibrated and maintained. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity by allowing independent operation and replacement of individual elements, facilitating real-time monitoring in proton therapy without requiring complex system-wide adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array system serves multiple functions: it can detect gamma photons from different locations, provide spatial resolution through collimation, and enable real-time monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
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 system enhances the accuracy of proton range verification and material composition analysis during cancer treatment, improving the applicability and effectiveness of proton therapy by providing real-time monitoring and high-resolution imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a particle radiation source device configured to irradiate a beam
Implementation Method 2
detect the position distribution of a gamma source
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is related to particle induced radiography system, comprising a particle radiation source device, implant module, external detector device, central module and other controls, in which the implant module comprises active and/or passive components in tandem with the readout electronics and communication chosen to measure the beam properties and to generate and detect secondary gamma photons from the nuclear interactions, the external detector device provides a position sensitive gamma detector with a high detection efficiency, good spatial resolution and a relatively large field of view necessary for particle treatments useful in monitoring both the implanted device and the patient anatomical areas under treatment, and the external detector device can also be used to perform 3D spectral imaging on any material samples using proton beam as a probe.