Compact Proton Beam Delivery System for Laser-Driven Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam delivery systems for proton therapy are too large and inefficient in addressing the large energy spread and angular distribution of proton beams generated by ultra-compact laser-driven acceleration systems, making them unsuitable for compact clinical settings and precise pencil beam scanning.
Innovation Solution
A compact beam delivery system utilizing a solenoid for beam capture and quadrupoles for chromatic aberration correction, combined with a single collimator gantry and stripline dipoles for momentum collimation, to achieve precise focusing and energy modulation of proton beams, reducing the system footprint and improving targeting accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If existing beam delivery systems are used for laser-driven protons, then beam delivery function is provided, but system footprint is too large for compact clinical settings
Solution Approach 1:
The beam delivery system is segmented into distinct functional modules: laser-driven proton source, beam transport line with dipole magnets for momentum selection, quadrupole magnets for focusing, and collimator system. Each module is optimized independently to reduce overall footprint while maintaining clinical performance standards.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are nested within compact configurations where beam transport elements are arranged in overlapping spatial paths, and magnetic field regions are interleaved to maximize space utilization. The collimator and scanning magnets are positioned to share common support structures and vacuum envelopes.
2Manufacturing precision
If standard beam delivery systems are used, then beam transport is achieved, but they fail to address large spread in proton energies and angular distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic energy selection through a movable collimator that can be rapidly positioned to select different momentum ranges. The beam transport line includes adjustable quadrupole strengths that dynamically adapt to compensate for variations in laser-driven proton energy spread, maintaining tight focal spots throughout the treatment volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key beam parameters through magnetic field manipulation: dipole magnets adjust momentum selection by varying field strength, quadrupole magnets control focal spot size and position through gradient adjustments, and the overall beam envelope is shaped by adjusting aperture sizes in the collimator system to match the large angular distribution of laser-driven protons.
3Length of moving object
If conventional beam delivery systems are used, then proton beam transport is provided, but they are too large to be used with compact laser driven acceleration systems
Solution Approach 1:
The beam transport line utilizes three-dimensional spatial optimization where beam paths are folded back on themselves using compact dipole magnet arrangements. The focusing optics employ strong quadrupole fields with short focal lengths to achieve tight spots within limited transport distance. The collimator system projects selected momentum bands through optimized geometric arrangements that maximize targeting precision despite reduced path length.
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 achieves a significant reduction in beam divergence and momentum spread, enabling precise proton beam delivery with a smaller footprint, improved targeting accuracy, and enhanced energy modulation, meeting clinical specifications for proton therapy.
Implementation Method 1
A compact beam delivery system utilizing a solenoid for beam capture
Implementation Method 2
quadrupoles for chromatic aberration correction
Implementation Method 3
stripline dipoles for momentum collimation
Data Source
AI summary
Laser accelerated Proton beams provides compact sources for Proton beams. This invention describes several examples of optic designs which provide a compact beam delivery system capable of supporting pencil beam scanning and delivering the required clinical dosage in a tight beam spot.