Pulsed Beam Particle Accelerator Pulse Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pulsed accelerators in charged particle radiation therapy face challenges in controlling the intensity of beam pulses, making it difficult to achieve precise and efficient delivery of charged particle radiation therapy, especially with advanced techniques like spot scanning, due to the inherent time structure of the beam.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that allow for precise control of the number of particles within each beam pulse by varying parameters such as ion source arc current, RF acceleration voltage, ion source on period, and synchronization with the RF system, using a beam control device with calibration tables or mathematical functions to adjust the beam pulse intensity based on real-time measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a pulsed accelerator is used to produce beam pulses with specific time structure, then the accelerator can deliver particles in discrete bunches, but the control of the number of particles within each beam pulse becomes difficult and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the ion source parameters (arc current, gas flow) and RF acceleration parameters (voltage, frequency) before beam extraction to pre-determine the number of particles in each pulse. This allows the beam intensity to be controlled in advance rather than attempting to adjust it during or after extraction, resolving the contradiction between pulsed beam production and precise particle number control.
2Productivity
If the beam intensity is not precisely controlled, then the irradiation process can proceed quickly, but the dose delivery accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual beam intensity with beam monitors and using this information to adjust the ion source and RF acceleration parameters for subsequent pulses. This closed-loop control system maintains dose delivery accuracy while allowing rapid irradiation by preventing the need for slow manual adjustments during treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying ion source parameters (arc current, gas flow rates) and RF acceleration parameters (voltage amplitude, frequency) to control beam intensity. This allows precise control of particle number in each pulse, enabling both fast irradiation and accurate dose delivery by optimizing the balance between speed and precision through parameter optimization.
3Manufacturing precision
If advanced scanning techniques are used to improve treatment precision, then the dose delivery accuracy improves, but the complexity of controlling the pulsed beam increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single integrated control system that manages multiple functions: ion source control, RF acceleration control, beam monitoring, and scanning coordination. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized systems for each function, while still achieving the precision required for advanced scanning techniques.
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
Enables accurate and efficient delivery of charged particle radiation therapy by allowing for precise control of beam pulse intensity, reducing irradiation time and improving dose delivery accuracy, particularly in spot scanning techniques.
Implementation Method 1
an ion source for producing the ionized particles to be accelerated
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency (RF) accelerator system intended to accelerate the ionized particles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pulsed beam particle accelerator which can be used for particle radiation therapy. More particular, a device and method are provided to control the number of particles within a beam pulse. The particle accelerator comprises means for varying the number of particles within each beam pulse of said pulsed ion beam from a minimum value to a maximum value as function of the value of a beam control parameter. For each particle irradiation the required number of particles for each beam pulse is controlled by defining a value for said beam control parameter based on calibration data.