Sammendrag
Due to its high sensitivity to anatomical changes,
particle therapy will only unfold its full potential together with a functioning online range verification. We present a detector concept making use of a large fraction of the secondary particles available by hybrid prompt gamma-ray and fast neutron imaging. The system is expected to exhibit a high detection sensitivity to these particles, a high time, energy and position resolution, excellent pulse shape discrimination, and a small footprint. It comprises a quasi-monolithic organic detector array consisting of novel organic scintillators with dual-ended silicon photomultiplier
light read-out and fast digitizers. The reconstruction of the
proton range from the events registered by the detector is based on gamma/neutron scatter kinematics, cone back-projection and maximum likelihood expectation maximization. Multiple studies are currently ongoing investigating the feasibility of this concept on an experimental and simulation level. A first Monte Carlo simulation study involving realistic patient data and an idealized detector has revealed that a range-shift sensitivity of 1mm per spot is attainable for clinical spot weights. These results demonstrate the potential of particle treatment verification by fast neutrons and prompt gamma-rays and strengthen the potential of this hybrid system for clinical application.
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