Radiotherapy Accelerator With Magnetic Beam Recirculation for Dual Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear accelerators (LINACs) face limitations in producing multiple energy electron beams due to the inefficiency of altering the power supplied to the waveguide, which disrupts the 'buncher' mechanism, and spatial constraints restrict the number of acceleration cells, limiting energy output.
Innovation Solution
A dual energy particle accelerator design that recirculates electron beams through the waveguide multiple times, utilizing magnet arrangements and off-axis electron guns to achieve different energy levels by redirecting electrons through diversion channels, allowing for production of electron beams with varying energies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power supplied to the waveguide is altered to increase electron beam energy, then the energy output increases, but the 'buncher' mechanism becomes inefficient and stops working
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into two separate waveguides: a first waveguide optimized for the buncher mechanism to operate effectively, and a second waveguide optimized for high energy output. This segmentation allows each waveguide to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between maintaining buncher efficiency and achieving high energy output.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer channel with magnetic fields acts as an intermediary to transport electron beams between the first and second waveguides. This allows the electron beam to transition from the buncher-optimized first waveguide to the high-energy second waveguide, enabling both functions to operate effectively in sequence.
2Power
If the number of acceleration cells is increased to produce higher energy beams, then the energy output increases, but the physical size of the LINAC increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electron beam is recirculated through the second waveguide multiple times, allowing continuous acceleration and energy gain without requiring additional acceleration cells. This enables high energy output in a compact configuration by reusing the same physical infrastructure repeatedly.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electron beams from different sources (first electron gun and second electron gun) are merged and combined in the second waveguide, allowing simultaneous acceleration of multiple beams to achieve high energy output without proportionally increasing the physical size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single waveguide is used for both bunching and high energy acceleration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the capability to produce multiple energy levels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple electron guns that can operate independently or in combination, and the second waveguide can accelerate both singly and doubly bunched electron beams. This multi-functionality allows the system to produce multiple energy levels (single energy and double energy beams) using a standardized waveguide design, achieving versatility without excessive complexity.
4Power
If electron beams are recirculated through the waveguide multiple times to increase energy, then the energy output increases, but the treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electron beams are pre-bunched in the first waveguide before being transferred to the second waveguide for high-energy acceleration. This preliminary bunching action optimizes the electron beam configuration in advance, enabling faster and more efficient acceleration in the second waveguide, thereby reducing overall treatment time while maintaining high energy output.
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 the production of electron beams with multiple energies, such as 6 MV and 10 MV, facilitating faster treatment times and customizable treatment plans by adjusting energy levels without increasing the LINAC's physical size.
Implementation Method 1
A radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic wave is applied to the waveguide which provides an oscillating electric field within the waveguide to accelerate the electrons
Implementation Method 2
utilizing magnet arrangements and off-axis electron guns to achieve different energy levels by redirecting electrons through diversion channels
Data Source
AI summary
A particle accelerator comprises a waveguide configured to accelerate a beam of electrons along an acceleration path. A diversion channel is configured to convey a beam of electrons along a diversion path. A first magnet arrangement is configured to, at a first location, direct electrons from the acceleration path to the diversion path. A second magnet arrangement is configured to, at a second location, direct electrons from the diversion path to the acceleration path.