Collimators for ultra-high dose rate radiation

A method of fabricating a collimation system for a linear accelerator, for use in ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) radiotherapy, the method comprising:

• obtaining, by a first computing device, from a remote computing device, 3D printing files or 3D models of a collimator and a collimator tray, wherein the collimator tray is configured to retain the collimator for reversible installation onto the linear accelerator;
• operating, by the first computing device, a 3D printer to print the collimator, wherein the collimator comprises an elongated body and a base, wherein the base is wider than the elongated body, and wherein an opening that defines a central bore is formed in the elongated body and the base, the opening extending a length of the collimator along a central axis;
• and
• operating, by the first computing device, the 3D printer to print the collimator tray, wherein the collimator tray comprises a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a central opening that extends from the first side to the second side, wherein the central opening is sized to allow only the elongated body of the collimator, but not the base of the collimator, to pass therethrough, and wherein the tray is adapted to be removably installed on accessory rails of the linear accelerator;
• wherein the collimation system is assembled by inserting the elongated body of the collimator into the central opening of the tray such that the base of the collimator interfaces with the first side of the tray, and wherein the collimation system is installed onto the linear accelerator such that the collimator is positioned at an exit window of the linear accelerator.

A method of operating a linear accelerator configured for ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) radiotherapy, the method comprising:

• providing a collimator comprising an elongated body and a base, wherein the elongated body is cylindrically shaped, wherein the base is cylindrically shaped or disk-shaped and is positioned at one end of the elongated body, wherein the elongated body is a first diameter and the base is a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, and wherein an opening that defines a central bore is formed in the elongated body and the base, the opening extending a length of the collimator along a central axis;
• and
• providing a tray comprising a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a central opening that extends from the first side to the second side, wherein the tray is adapted to be removably installed on accessory rails of the linear accelerator;
• inserting the elongated body of the collimator into the central opening of the tray, wherein the central opening of the tray is a third diameter that greater than the first diameter of the elongated body of the collimator but smaller than the second diameter of the based on the collimator to allow only the elongated body of the collimator to pass therethrough such that the base of the collimator interfaces with the first side of the tray;
• and
• installing the tray on accessory rails of the linear accelerator such that the collimator is positioned at an exit window of the linear accelerator.