High resolution proton beam monitor
AssigneeLexitek, Inc.
InventorSteven Ebstein
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for monitoring a scanning beam of penetrating radiation, such as a scanning proton beam used to irradiate tissue. The position of the beam is tracked in real time by interposing a scintillator film between a source and an object of irradiation. An imaging detector, in optical communication with the scintillator, provides an output that is indicative of the position of the radiation and its variation with time. The accumulated dose over a scan may also be monitored.
Claims15
A radiation detector for determining spatial distribution of penetrating radiation characterized generally by a propagation direction between a source and an object of irradiation, the radiation detector comprising:
- a scintillator, disposed between the source and the object of irradiation, for emitting photons in response to the radiation;
- and
- an imaging detector in optical communication with the scintillator for providing an imaging detector output indicative of the position of the radiation and its variation with time.
A method for determining a spatial distribution of a beam of penetrating radiation characterized generally by a propagation direction between a source and an object of irradiation, the method comprising:
- disposing a film of scintillator material between the source and the object of irradiation, for emitting photons in response to the radiation;
- and
- imaging visible light emitted by the scintillator in response to traversal of the scintillator by penetrating radiation on a path toward the object of irradiation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.