High resolution proton beam monitor
AssigneeLexitek, Inc.
InventorSteven M. 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.
Claims18
A radiation detector for quantitatively determining a contiguous spatial distribution of intensity of penetrating radiation characterized generally by a propagation direction between a source and an object of irradiation, the radiation detector comprising:
- a spatially contiguous scintillator, disposed between the source and the object of irradiation, for emitting photons in response to the radiation;
- and
- a time-resolving sensor in optical communication with the spatially contiguous scintillator for sensing radiation intensity in real time and for providing a two-dimensional sensor output;
- and
- a dosimetric sensor for providing an integrated output indicative of a spatially-resolved cumulative radiation dose of the penetrating radiation.
A method for determining a spatial distribution and dose characterizing a beam of penetrating radiation characterized generally by a propagation direction between a source and an object of irradiation, the method comprising:
- disposing a spatially contiguous film of scintillator material between the source and the object of irradiation, for emitting photons in response to the radiation;
- sensing radiation intensity in real time by means of a time-resolving sensor in optical communication with the spatially contiguous film of scintillator material in response to traversal of the spatially contiguous film of scintillator material by penetrating radiation on a path toward the object of irradiation;
- and
- providing an integrated output indicative of a spatially-resolved cumulative radiation dose of the penetrating radiation by means of a dosimetric sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.