Characterization of scintillator crystals for usage as prompt gamma monitors in particle therapy

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • K. Roemer - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • G. Pausch - , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, OncoRay - National Centre for Radiation Research in Oncology (Author)
  • D. Bemmerer - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • M. Berthel - , OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • A. Dreyer - , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, OncoRay - National Centre for Radiation Research in Oncology (Author)
  • C. Golnik - , OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • F. Hueso-González - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • T. Kormoll - , OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • J. Petzoldt - , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, OncoRay - National Centre for Radiation Research in Oncology (Author)
  • H. Rohling - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • P. Thirolf - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • A. Wagner - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • L. Wagner - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • D. Weinberger - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • F. Fiedler - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)

Abstract

Particle therapy in oncology is advantageous compared to classical radiotherapy due to its well-defined penetration depth. In the so-called Bragg peak, the highest dose is deposited; the tissue behind the cancerous area is not exposed. Different factors influence the range of the particle and thus the target area, e.g. organ motion, mispositioning of the patient or anatomical changes. In order to avoid over-exposure of healthy tissue and under-dosage of cancerous regions, the penetration depth of the particle has to be monitored, preferably already during the ongoing therapy session. The verification of the ion range can be performed using prompt gamma emissions, which are produced by interactions between projectile and tissue, and originate from the same location and time of the nuclear reaction. The prompt gamma emission profile and the clinically relevant penetration depth are correlated. Various imaging concepts based on the detection of prompt gamma rays are currently discussed: collimated systems with counting detectors, Compton cameras with (at least) two detector planes, or the prompt gamma timing method, utilizing the particle time-of-flight within the body. For each concept, the detection system must meet special requirements regarding energy, time, and spatial resolution. Nonetheless, the prerequisites remain the same: the gamma energy region (2 to 10 MeV), high counting rates and the stability in strong background radiation fields. The aim of this work is the comparison of different scintillation crystals regarding energy and time resolution for optimized prompt gamma detection.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numberP10033
JournalJournal of instrumentation
Volume10
Issue number10
Publication statusPublished - 21 Oct 2015
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0001-9023-3606/work/166326246

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Instrumentation for hadron therapy, Scintillators, scintillation and light emission processes (solid, gas and liquid scintillators)