Synchrocyclotron Ion Beam Pulse Extraction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charged particle therapy systems, such as synchrocyclotrons, face inefficiencies due to deviations from theoretical frequency cycles, leading to ineffective operation and potential extraction of ion beam pulses despite negative assessments of beam control elements, as they cannot account for cycle imperfections in time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling ion beam pulses in a synchrocyclotron that involves generating a reference signal based on the frequency of the alternating voltage, synchronizing beam control and monitoring elements with this signal, and assessing status parameters to determine whether to proceed or cancel the beam pulse, ensuring compliance with setpoints and avoiding untimely extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the assessment of beam control elements is delayed to allow maximum setting time, then the setting precision is improved, but the risk of ineffective extraction increases due to cycle frequency deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by setting beam control elements during the rising slope phase before the assessment is complete. The falling slope phase is then used to verify the settings and make final adjustments, ensuring both early preparation and reliable verification before extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the assessment and setting process to the actual frequency cycle deviations. By monitoring the rising and falling slopes in real-time, the system adjusts the timing and duration of setting operations to match the actual cycle behavior, ensuring reliable extraction despite frequency variations.
2Loss of time
If the assessment is completed quickly to maintain timing, then the extraction timing is maintained, but the setting time of beam control elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Beam control elements are preliminarily set during the rising slope phase while the assessment is being completed during the falling slope phase. This overlapping of operations allows the system to maintain extraction timing while still providing sufficient setting time through the extended rising slope period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by overlapping the assessment completion with the setting operations. The rising slope provides setting time while the falling slope completes the assessment, ensuring both timing maintenance and setting precision without idle periods.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the beam extraction is prevented due to negative assessment, then the safety is improved, but the system productivity decreases due to cycle deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically evaluates whether to proceed with extraction based on the actual frequency cycle behavior. By analyzing the rising and falling slopes in real-time, the system makes informed decisions that ensure safety while minimizing unnecessary cancellations caused by normal frequency variations, thus maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the assessment parameters to account for frequency cycle deviations. Instead of using fixed timing criteria, the system adapts its assessment based on the actual rising and falling slope characteristics, allowing safe extraction even when cycle parameters vary within acceptable ranges.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first aspect of present invention is related to a method for controlling the extraction of ion beam pulses produced by a synchrocyclotron according to an irradiation plan. The synchrocyclotron comprises electrodes configured to be placed in a magnetic field, wherein an alternating voltage is applied between the electrodes, and wherein the frequency of the alternating voltage is modulated in a cyclic manner. The method comprises the steps of starting an acceleration cycle of the synchrocyclotron (12), generating a reference signal (38) when the modulated frequency reaches a predefined value (42), communicating the time, at which the reference signal (38) is generated, to the one or more beam control elements (20, 22), assessing one or more status parameters of the one or more beam control elements (20, 22), wherein the assessment is synchronised with the generation of the reference signal (38), cancelling or proceeding with the extraction of the beam pulse depending on the results of the assessment. A second aspect of the present invention is related to an ion beam extraction system configured to perform the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.