Scintillation Detector Array for Charged Particle Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for accurate and precise determination of the state of a charged particle beam before and/or after passing through a sample, such as for tomographic imaging of a tumor or a patient, which is not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A charged particle detection apparatus and method using multiple two-dimensional detector arrays optically coupled to a scintillation material, which emits secondary photons upon energy transfer from the charged particles, allowing for precise imaging and state determination of the beam through combining signals to reconstruct accurate tomographic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single detector array is used to image charged particles, then the device complexity is low, but the imaging resolution and measurement precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple two-dimensional detector arrays, each capturing charged particles from different angular perspectives. This segmentation allows the system to reconstruct three-dimensional spatial distribution and probabilistic pathways of charged particles through the sample, significantly improving imaging resolution and measurement precision compared to a single detector array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional detection (single detector plane) to three-dimensional detection by adding multiple detector arrays at different angular positions. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive tracking of charged particle trajectories and enhances the ability to determine beam state and sample structure with higher precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detector arrays are used to improve imaging resolution, then the measurement precision increases, but the device complexity and signal processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Signals from multiple two-dimensional detector arrays are combined and integrated to reconstruct the complete spatial distribution and probabilistic pathways of charged particles. This merging of data from multiple sources enhances measurement precision for beam state determination while the systematic processing method manages the complexity through coordinated signal integration.
3Reliability
If scintillation material is used to detect charged particles, then the detection capability is improved, but the energy loss and potential sample damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scintillation material serves as an intermediary conversion layer that transforms charged particle energy into optical photons detectable by the detector arrays. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable detection of charged particle positions and trajectories while the optical conversion process manages energy deposition in a controlled manner, balancing detection capability with sample preservation.
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 provides higher resolution and accuracy in imaging by constraining the probabilistic pathway of charged particles through the sample, resulting in more precise and accurate images of tumors or samples.
Implementation Method 1
A charged particle detection apparatus and method using multiple two-dimensional detector arrays optically coupled to a scintillation material, which emits secondary photons upon energy transfer from the charged particles
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, a method or apparatus for tomographically imaging a sample, such as a tumor of a patient, using positively charged particles positions n two-dimensional detector arrays on n surfaces of a scintillation material or scintillator, respectively. Resultant from energy transfer from the positively charged particles, secondary photons are emitted from the scintillation material and detected by the plurality of two-dimensional detector arrays, where each detector array images the scintillation material. Combining signals from the plurality of two-dimensional detector arrays, the path, position, energy, and/or state of the positively charged particle beam as a function of time and/or rotation of the patient relative to the positively charged particle beam is determined and used in tomographic reconstruction of an image of the sample or the tumor.