Synchrotron Beam Extraction Control for Rapid Energy Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle beam irradiation systems face challenges in rapidly changing ion beam energy and updating operation cycles, leading to reduced dose rates and longer treatment times, especially when dealing with respiratory moving organs and insufficient beam charge, which complicates direct transitions between extraction and deceleration control.
Innovation Solution
A charged particle beam irradiation system with a synchrotron, detection unit, extraction permission determination unit, and controller that enables rapid energy changes and efficient operation cycle updates by using plural control data items for acceleration, extraction, and deceleration, allowing direct transitions and optimized beam extraction control based on real-time patient movements and beam charge levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the synchrotron operation cycle is updated repeatedly to change ion beam energy for scanning irradiation method, then the beam energy can be controlled for different tumor depths, but the treatment time increases and dose rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary preparation by accumulating beam charge in the synchrotron before extraction. Multiple extraction operations are performed using the accumulated charge, eliminating the need to restart acceleration for each energy stage. This preliminary accumulation action enables rapid energy changes without time-consuming re-acceleration cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the beam circulating and accumulated in the synchrotron during energy stage transitions. Instead of stopping and restarting the acceleration process for each energy change, the beam remains in a ready state, allowing immediate extraction at different energy levels without interruption to the overall treatment process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the synchrotron operation cycle is updated repeatedly to change ion beam energy, then the irradiation can be adapted to different tumor volumes, but the treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary preparation by accumulating beam charge in the synchrotron before extraction. Multiple extraction operations are performed using the accumulated charge, eliminating the need to restart acceleration for each energy stage. This preliminary accumulation action enables rapid energy changes without time-consuming re-acceleration cycles.
3Productivity
If direct transition from extraction control to deceleration control is performed, then the operation cycle can be updated rapidly, but the transition cannot be performed when beam charge is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control method dynamically adjusts the transition timing based on real-time beam charge conditions. When beam charge is sufficient, the system performs rapid direct transition from extraction to deceleration control. When beam charge is insufficient, the system automatically extends the extraction phase to accumulate adequate charge before transitioning. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable transitions under all operating conditions while maintaining maximum possible speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor beam charge levels and adjust the control sequence accordingly. The extraction permission determination unit uses feedback about beam charge sufficiency to decide whether to proceed with direct transition or to extend extraction first, ensuring reliable operation while optimizing cycle speed.
4Productivity
If multistage extraction control is used to extract beam at plural energy stages within one operation cycle, then the dose rate can be improved, but complex control data integration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control data is segmented into distinct functional components: acceleration control data, extraction control data, energy change control data, and deceleration control data. Each segment handles a specific phase of the cycle independently. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex multistage extraction operations by treating each energy stage as a separate, manageable unit with its own control parameters, reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution improves dose rates and shortens treatment times by enabling rapid energy changes and efficient operation cycle updates, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of beam irradiation, particularly for respiratory moving organs, even with interruptions due to insufficient beam charge.
Implementation Method 1
a synchrotron 13 for accelerating an ion beam 10b and extracting the accelerated ion beam 10b therefrom
Data Source
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AI summary
A control data about the devices constituting the synchrotron (13) are formed by an initial acceleration control data item (701), a plural extraction control data items (702), a plural energy change control data items (705) connecting the plural extraction control data items (702), and a plural deceleration control data items (706) corresponding to the plural extraction control data items (702). An affected part position detection unit (35) and an extraction permission determination unit (354) are provided to determine whether the position of a marker shown in transparent image information is included within a beam irradiation permission range. If the marker position is found included, the extraction permission determination unit (354) outputs to an interlock system (60) an extraction permission determination signal (355) permitting beam extraction.