Triode Ion Beam Extraction System for Low Emittance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current proton therapy systems face challenges in achieving reduced emittance for charged particles extracted from ion sources, which affects the precision of tumor treatment and imaging processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of a triode extraction system that maintains a stable ion source at low voltage, allowing for precise control of the ion beam path and reducing emittance, combined with a patient-specific tray insert system for customized beam control, enabling precise tumor targeting and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional extraction systems are used, then ion beam can be extracted from the ion source, but the emittance is high which reduces treatment precision
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction system is divided into multiple electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) with distinct functions. The first electrode extracts ions, the second electrode controls beam shape, and the third electrode fine-tunes the beam path. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component to achieve low emittance while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the extraction system are assigned different voltage potentials and geometric configurations optimized for their specific local functions. The electrodes have non-uniform spacing and varying potentials to create localized electric field distributions that control beam emittance at critical points along the extraction path.
2Productivity
If high voltage is applied to extract ions, then ion beam extraction is effective, but the ion source stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage extraction process is segmented across multiple electrodes rather than applying high voltage at a single point. The first electrode operates at a moderate potential for stable ionization, while subsequent electrodes (second and third) apply progressively higher potentials to extract and accelerate ions. This distributes the voltage stress and maintains ion source stability while achieving effective extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electrode acts as an intermediary between the ion source and the high-voltage third electrode. It provides a transition zone that gradually accelerates ions before they encounter the full extraction voltage, preventing sudden voltage shocks that would destabilize the ion source while maintaining extraction efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If generic beam control is used, then system complexity is reduced, but tumor targeting precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The beam control system implements patient-specific customization where each patient receives a tailored tray insert design based on their unique tumor geometry and location. The inserts have non-uniform thickness profiles and aperture patterns optimized for individual treatment plans, achieving maximum precision for each patient while the modular design keeps overall system complexity manageable through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Patient-specific tray inserts are designed and manufactured before treatment sessions based on pre-treatment imaging and treatment planning. This preliminary customization allows the beam control system to be optimized for each patient's specific anatomy and tumor characteristics, achieving high targeting precision without requiring real-time complex adjustments during treatment.
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 enhances the precision and accuracy of charged particle beam therapy and imaging by reducing emittance and allowing for real-time monitoring and control of the beam state, leading to more effective tumor treatment and imaging.
Implementation Method 1
extraction of charged particles from an ion source
Implementation Method 2
extraction system allows on demand extraction of charged particles at relatively low voltage levels
Implementation Method 3
charged particle beam apparatus configured for serial and/or parallel imaging
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for extracting ions from an ion source, such as for use in cancer treatment or tomographic imaging. The extraction apparatus uses a triode extraction system, with the ion source and/or first electrode held at a first potential; an extraction electrode held at a second potential; and a gating electrode, positioned between the ion source and the extraction electrode, oscillating and/or alternating between a first suppression potential proximate that of the ion source potential and a second extraction potential between the ion source potential and the extraction electrode potential. Optionally, the ion source comprises an electron cyclotron resonance ion source.