Program Information
A New Aperture-Based Imaging System for Prompt-Gamma Range Verification of Proton Beam Therapy
J Ready*1, R Pak1 , L Mihailescu2 , K Vetter1,2, (1) UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, (2) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
Presentations
WE-EF-303-3 (Wednesday, July 15, 2015) 1:45 PM - 3:45 PM Room: 303
Purpose: To develop and characterize a novel aperture-based imaging system for high-energy gamma-rays. This collimated system will provide 2-dimensional imaging capability for verification of proton beam range and Bragg peak dose via prompt-gamma detection.
Methods: A multi-knife-edge slit collimator has been designed, constructed, and characterized via simulations and experimental measurements. The 20x20x7.5 cm³ tungsten collimator and accompanying LSO scintillation detector were simulated using the TOPAS Geant4-based Monte Carlo package. Iterative reconstruction methods were combined with point response functions to characterize the imaging performance of the system. The response of the system has begun to be characterized experimentally as well, using 2.6 MeV gamma-rays from Th-228.
Results: Both simulation and experimental results indicate that this collimated system provides 2-D imaging capability in the energy range of interest for prompt-gamma dose verification. In the current configuration, with collimator to source distance of 13 cm, image reconstruction of point sources resulted in spatial resolution (FWHM) of approximately 4 mm in both x- and y-directions in the imaging plane. The accuracy of positioning the point sources is less than 1 mm.
Conclusion: This work has characterized, via simulation and measurements, a novel multi-knife-edge slit collimator in front of a more conventional position-sensitive LSO scintillator detector. The multi-slit pattern is designed to increase detection efficiency and provide spatial information in 2-dimensions -- an improvement over a single-slit collimator design. The thickness and density of the collimator will allow this detection system to perform well in an environment with high gamma flux, while ultimately providing peak determination accuracy on the order of 1 mm.
Funding Support, Disclosures, and Conflict of Interest: This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Award Number: DE-NA0000979 through the Nuclear Science and Security Consortium.
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