Silicon photomultiplier array-based multispectral optical probes for image-guided radiotherapy

A multispectral optical probe, comprising:

• a first optical bandpass filter that operates to pass Cerenkov radiation (CE) in a first range of wavelengths;
• a first silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) photodetector configured to receive radiation passed through the first optical bandpass filter and, in response thereto, generate a first optical response signal;
• a second optical bandpass filter arranged adjacent to the first optical bandpass filter and operates to pass Cerenkov radiation in a second range of wavelengths, where the first range of wavelengths differ from the second range of wavelengths;
• a second silicon SiPM photodetector configured to receive radiation passed through the second optical bandpass filter and, in response thereto, generate a second optical response signal;
• and
• a third SiPM photodetector arranged adjacent to at least one of the first SiPM photodetector or the second SiPM photodetector and, in response to detecting radiation, generates a background signal, where the third SiPM photodetector is covered by a light-blocking material.

A radiotherapy system, comprising:

• a radiation source operates to emit an ionizing radiation beam towards a region of treatment on a subject;
• an optical probe configured for placement on the region of treatment, wherein the optical probe includes
• a first optical bandpass filter that operates to pass Cerenkov radiation (CE) in a first range of wavelengths;
• a first silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) photodetector configured to receive radiation passed through the first optical bandpass filter and, in response thereto, generate a first optical response signal;
• a second optical bandpass filter arranged adjacent to the first optical bandpass filter and operates to pass Cerenkov radiation in a second range of wavelengths, where the first range of wavelengths differ from the second range of wavelengths;
• and
• a second silicon SiPM photodetector configured to receive radiation passed through the second optical bandpass filter and, in response thereto, generate a second optical response signal;
• and
• a computing device in data communication with the radiation source and the optical probe, wherein the computing device receives the first optical response signal and the second optical response signal and operates to adjust the ionizing radiation beam based on the first optical response signal and the second optical response signal.