3D Scintillator Detector for Real-Time Radiation Dose Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy dose measurement technologies, such as dosimetric gels and detector arrays, face challenges in accurately measuring complex three-dimensional dose distributions in real-time with high spatial and temporal resolution, as they are either time-consuming, prone to artifacts, or cause radiation field perturbations due to their material properties.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional radiation dose detector system comprising a continuous scintillating element, light detectors, and a computer-based algorithm for tomographic reconstruction, which corrects for optical and dosimetric artifacts, allowing for simultaneous measurement of light emission from multiple positions with high temporal resolution and conversion into actual dose values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dosimetric gels are used for 3D dose measurements, then complete 3D dose mapping is achieved, but the measurement process is time-consuming and requires post-processing manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical processing system of dosimetric gels with an optical detection system. Scintillating fibers convert radiation dose directly into light signals that are detected by photodetectors, eliminating the need for time-consuming chemical processing and post-manipulation while maintaining 3D dose mapping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the radiation dose distribution through scintillation light emission. The scintillating fibers convert the radiation energy deposition pattern into a light pattern that can be detected and reconstructed into a 3D dose map in real-time, providing an immediate optical representation of the dose distribution
2Measurement precision
If detector arrays are used for dose measurement, then spatial resolution is improved, but radiation field perturbations occur due to material differences from water/tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses scintillating fibers made of plastic or organic materials that have radiation interaction properties similar to water and human tissue. This homogeneity in material properties ensures that the detector does not significantly perturb the radiation field while maintaining the ability to measure dose with high spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detector into discrete scintillating fiber elements that can be arranged in arrays or 3D configurations. This segmentation allows for high spatial resolution measurements while each individual fiber maintains water-equivalence properties, minimizing radiation field perturbation
3Productivity
If conventional detectors are used for dynamic treatment modalities, then measurement capability is limited, but real-time feedback for complex dose patterns is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time dose measurement during dynamic treatment delivery. The scintillating fibers continuously convert radiation into light signals throughout the treatment process, allowing for real-time monitoring and feedback of complex dose patterns in VMAT and IMPT without interrupting the continuous beam delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic measurement system that can track and measure time-dependent dose distributions. The fast response of scintillation light allows the system to capture dose patterns during rotational and scanned beam deliveries, providing real-time feedback for dynamic treatment modalities
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 continuous, high-resolution, real-time measurement of three-dimensional radiation dose distributions without perturbing the radiation field, providing accurate and precise dose mapping for complex treatment modalities like VMAT and IMPT.
Implementation Method 1
A three-dimensional radiation dose detector system comprising a continuous scintillating element, light detectors, and a computer-based algorithm
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for measuring three-dimensional radiation dose distributions with high spatial and temporal resolution using a large-volume scintillator. The scintillator converts the radiation dose distribution into a visible light distribution. The visible light is transported to one or more photo-detectors, which measure the light intensity. The light signals are processed to correct for optical artifacts, and the three-dimensional light distribution is reconstructed. The reconstructed light distribution is post-processed to convert light amplitudes to measured radiation doses. The high temporal resolution of the detector makes it possible to observe the evolution of a dynamic dose distribution as it changes over time. Integral dose distributions can be measured by summing the dose over time.