Scintillator-Based High-Throughput Fast Timing Spectroscopy for Real-Time Range Verification in Particle Therapy

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

Abstract

Range verification of particle beams in real time is considered a key for tapping the full potential of radio-oncological particle therapies. The novel technique of prompt gamma-ray timing (PGT), recently proposed and explored in first proof-of-principle experiments, promises range assessment at reasonable expense but challenges detectors, electronics, and data acquisition. Energy-selected time distributions have to be measured at very high throughput rates to obtain the statistics necessary for range verification with single pencil beam spots. Clinically applicable systems should provide a time resolution of about 200 ps, to be obtained with large (about 2” diameter) scintillators, detector loads in the few-Mcps range, and data acquisition rates around 1 Mcps, if possible with compact and inexpensive systems. Such requirements can be met best with CeBr3 scintillators read out with conventional photomultiplier tubes, coupled to commercial but customized electronics featuring high-resolution pulse digitization and fast digital signal processing. The paper deduces design parameters from the constraints given by typical treatment conditions, and presents first results obtained with prototype detectors and electronics developed in accordance with the derived specifications.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer7454861
Seiten (von - bis)664-672
Seitenumfang9
FachzeitschriftIEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science
Jahrgang63
Ausgabenummer2
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 1 Apr. 2016
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

Scopus 84964413007
Ieee 10.1109/TNS.2016.2527822
ORCID /0000-0001-9023-3606/work/166326245

Schlagworte

Schlagwörter

  • Detectors, Protons, Timing, Gamma-rays, Particle beams, Medical treatment