Beam Filtration Apparatus and Method for Efficient Scanned Beam Particle Arc Therapy

A method for optimizing a filter, comprising:

• specifying one or more filters that results in a desired dose of radiation into a subject, wherein:
• the radiation is incident from one or more directions,
• the specifying the one or more filters is based upon one or more
• optimization goals;
• and
• iteratively optimizing the thickness distribution of the one or more filters on a base associated with each of the one or more filters, while accounting for
• the one or more filter's impact on the radiation from one or more directions, wherein:
• each of the one or more filters comprise a plurality of pillars extending from the base, wherein the one or more of the plurality of pillars are of varying height, enabling the one or more filters to convert the energy spectrum associated with the radiation as it passes through the one or more of the plurality of pillars, and
• the one or more filters are configured to modify the energy distribution of radiation passing through the one or more filters, resulting in a delivery of a desired dose distribution within the subject.

A method for delivering treatment radiation for a target volume in a subject using one or more filters that impact radiation, the method comprising:

• defining a trajectory of the radiation through one or more filters into the subject, while moving a radiation source, one or more filters, and the subject to impart a planned dose distribution into the subject, wherein the one or more filters comprise a base and a plurality of pillars extending from the base, and the one or more of the plurality of pillars are of varying height;
• and
• using the radiation source to deliver radiation through the filter resulting in a planned dose distribution into the subject, wherein:
• the delivery originates from one or more positions that are variable, and
• the trajectory of the radiation into the subject is based upon the one or more positions of the radiation source and the subject.