Physics in Medicine and Biology,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
68(21), P. 215020 - 215020
Published: Oct. 11, 2023
Objective.
The
goal
of
the
study
was
to
test
hypothesis
that
shoot-through
FLASH
proton
beams
would
lead
lower
dose-averaged
LET
(LETD)
values
in
critical
organs,
while
providing
at
least
equal
normal
tissue
sparing
as
clinical
therapy
plans.Approach.
For
five
neurological
tumor
patients,
pencil
beam
scanning
(PBS)
plans
were
made,
using
maximum
energy
227
MeV
and
assuming
a
hypothetical
protective
factor
(FPF)
1.5.
effect
different
FPF
ranging
from
1.2
1.8
on
goals
also
considered.
LETDwas
calculated
for
plan
plan,
applying
2
Gy
total
dose
threshold
(RayStation
8
A/9B
9A-IonRPG).
Robust
evaluation
performed
considering
density
uncertainty
(±3%
throughout
entire
volume).Main
results.Clinical
showed
large
LETDvariations
compared
LETDin
OAR
is
1.2-8
times
latter.
Although
less
conformal,
met
same
plans,
protection
factors
above
1.4.
more
robust
uncertainties
with
D2%increase
0.6
versus
5.7
plans.Significance.Shoot-through
avoid
LETDdistributions
range,
provide
adequate
target
coverage,
meet
planning
constraints
are
variations.
Journal of Instrumentation,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
19(04), P. C04026 - C04026
Published: April 1, 2024
Abstract
Hybrid
semiconductor
pixelated
detectors
from
the
Timepix
family
are
advanced
for
online
particle
tracking,
offering
energy
measurement
and
precise
time
stamping
capabilities
particles
of
various
types
energies.
This
inherent
capability
makes
them
highly
suitable
applications,
including
imaging,
medical
fields
such
as
radiotherapy
therapy,
space-based
applications
aboard
satellites
International
Space
Station,
industrial
applications.
The
data
generated
by
these
is
complex,
necessitating
development
deployment
analytical
techniques
to
extract
essential
information.
For
this
purpose,
aid
user
community,
it
was
designed
developed
“Data
Processing
Engine”
(DPE)
an
tool
processing
explicitly
detectors.
functionality
DPE
structured
into
three
distinct
levels:
i)
Pre-processing:
phase
involves
clusterization
application
necessary
calibrations
corrections.
ii)
Processing:
stage
includes
classification,
employing
machine
learning
algorithms,
recognition
radiation
fields.
iii)
Post-processing:
analyses,
directional
analysis,
coincidence
frame
Compton
generation
physics
products,
performed.
core
supported
extensive
experimental
database
containing
referential
typical
environments,
protons,
ions,
electrons,
gamma
rays
X
rays,
well
thermal
fast
neutrons.
To
enhance
accessibility,
implemented
interface
platforms
a
command-line
tool,
programming
interface,
graphical
in
form
web
portal.
DPE's
broad
utility
exemplified
through
its
integration
developments.
Radiation Measurements,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
173, P. 107086 - 107086
Published: March 7, 2024
Ion-beam
radiotherapy
is
a
growing
cancer
treatment
modality
because
it
offers
superior
dose
distribution
in
the
patient
compared
with
conventional
using
X-rays.
Thanks
to
their
versatility,
application-specific
integrated
circuits
(ASIC)
increasingly
gain
interest
for
research
into
ion
imaging
and
ion-beam
characterisation.
Timepix3
hybrid
semiconductor
pixel
detector,
which
nanosecond
time
binning
as
well
dead-time-free
noise-free
data-driven
readout
at
pitch
of
55
µm
×
µm.
In
this
work,
novel
4-chip
mini-tracker
(quad
module)
was
characterised
therapeutic
proton
beam.
The
quad
module
has
two
detection
layers
equipped
chips
each,
are
stacked
like
particle
telescope
distance
20.3
mm.
layer,
share
same
sensitive
silicon
sensor.
surface
area
sensor
approximately
28
mm
14
Apart
from
pixels
chip
edges
masked
pixels,
showed
uniform
counting
response
mono-energetic
irradiation
without
noticeable
defects.
measurement
accuracy
energy
deposition
found
be
better
than
1
%
340
keV.
synchronisation
between
four
systematic
delays
up
25
ns.
When
these
corrected,
resolution
(1.17
±
0.03)
could
further
improved
implementation
time-walk
correction.
It
concluded
that
fulfils
requirements
used
charged-particle
tracker
radiotherapy.
Future
testing
will
focus
on
radiation
hardness,
dose-rate
dependence
high-LET
radiation.
Journal of Instrumentation,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
20(01), P. C01028 - C01028
Published: Jan. 1, 2025
Abstract
Semiconductor
hybrid
pixel
detectors
with
Timepix
3
chips
developed
by
Medipix
collaboration
at
CERN
can
simultaneously
measure
deposited
energy
and
time
of
arrival
individual
particle
hits
in
all
256
×
pixels
55
μm
pitch
size.
Leveraging
the
single-particle
detection
sensitivity
these
chips,
there
is
a
potential
to
develop
algorithms
for
classifying
detected
single
particles
into
distinct
categories
corresponding
different
types.
In
this
study,
various
machine
learning
models
are
introduced,
such
as
recurrent
feedforward
neural
networks
or
gradient
boosted
decision
trees,
designed
facilitate
classification
events
classes
associated
electrons
&
photons,
alpha
particles,
heavy
nuclei
(except
particles),
low
protons
(
E
≲
100
MeV)
high
≳
MeV).
All
achieve
outcomes
true
positive
rate
nearing
100%
across
classes.
The
Gaussian
Mixture
unsupervised
technique
used
differentiate
between
electron
photon
radiation
components.
model
effectively
distinguished
high-energy
low-energy
achieving
performance
comparable
conventionally
heuristic
trees.
trained
tested
on
an
extensive
database
experimental
data
obtained
from
controlled
source
experiments.
Journal of Instrumentation,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
20(04), P. C04026 - C04026
Published: April 1, 2025
Abstract
In
particle
radiotherapy
practice
it
is
valuable
to
examine,
accurately
measure
and
monitor
the
secondary
radiation
fields
produced
during
treatment.
Measurements
performed
non-invasively
out-of-field
avoid
interfering
with
modifying
delivered
dose
Use
of
a
simplified
compact
device
advantageous
for
reduced
cost
effort
deployment
operation.
For
this
purpose,
we
examine
in
detail
scattered
beam
particles
field
well
beyond
even
meters
away
from
irradiated
area
proton
therapy.
We
use
semiconductor
pixel
detector
Timepix3
implemented
as
miniaturized
camera
which
mounted
at
ceiling
treatment
room.
The
provides
high-resolution
per-pixel
spectrometry
time,
position,
directional
tracking
response.
Applying
imaging
techniques
together
extensive
experimental
calibrations
well-defined
fields,
single
composition
spectral-tracking
characterization
complex
fields.
particular,
position
evaluated
unfolded
into
spectral-directional
groups
serve
map
characteristics
origin
out
field.
Detailed
fluxes
rates,
total
partial,
are
measured
sub-second
time
resolution.
Deposited
energy
distributions
sensor
derived
wide
range.
Verification
complementary
information
provided
by
numerical
Monte-Carlo
(MC)
simulations.
combined
results
presented
technique
can
be
potentially
used
inspect
systematically
evaluate
quality
assurance
irradiations
plans.
Journal of Instrumentation,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
20(04), P. C04030 - C04030
Published: April 1, 2025
Abstract
This
study
investigates
the
response
of
Timepix3
semiconductor
pixel
detectors
in
proton
beams
varying
intensities,
with
a
focus
on
FLASH
therapy.
Using
application-specific
integrated
circuit
(ASIC)
chip,
we
measured
spatial
and
spectral
characteristics
220
MeV
delivered
short
pulses.
The
experimental
setup
involved
Minipix
readout
electronics
chipboard
flexible
architecture,
an
Advapix
silicon
sensor.
Measurements
were
carried
out
equipped
gallium
arsenide
(GaAs)
(Si)
sensors.
We
also
investigated
bare
ASIC
chip
(without
sensor).
placed
within
waterproof
holder
attached
to
positioning
system
IBA
Blue
water
phantom,
additional
measurements
performed
air
behind
2
cm-thick
polymethyl
methacrylate
(PMMA)
phantom.
results
demonstrated
capability
measure
time-over-threshold
(ToT,
deposited
energy)
event
counts
(number
events
pixel)
both
conventional
ultra-high-dose-rates
(UHDR)
beams.
configuration
sustained
up
dose
rate
(DR)
270
Gy/s,
maximum
tested
intensity,
although
it
exhibited
limited
resolution
due
low
detection
efficiency.
In
contrast,
GaAs
sensors
showed
saturation
at
DR∼5
Gy/s.
Furthermore,
detector
was
used
standard
customized
configurations.
(Ikrum
=
5),
But,
when
per-pixel
discharging
signal
(called
“Ikrum”)
increased
80),
enhanced
performance
by
reducing
duration
ToT
signal,
allowing
beam
spot
imaging
DR=∼28
Gy/s
plateau
region
Bragg
curve.
For
such
DR
or
higher,
frame
acquisition
time
reduced
order
microseconds,
meaning
only
fraction
pulse
(with
lengths
milliseconds)
captured.
IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
71(4), P. 921 - 931
Published: Feb. 26, 2024
Mixed-radiation
fields
in
environments
such
as
particle
radiotherapy
and
outer
space
exhibit
large
complexity
terms
of
composition
spectral
distribution
which
are
difficult
to
measure
detail.
For
this
purpose,
we
present
a
high-sensitivity
technique
using
the
pixel
detector
Timepix3
spectral-tracking
characterization
secondary
produced
proton
radiotherapy.
Particle-event
classes
resolved
into
broad
groups
high-energy
transfer
particles
(HETPs),
protons,
ions,
neutrons,
well
low-energy
(LETPs),
electrons,
X-rays,
and,
partly,
gamma
rays.
The
quantum-imaging
capability
is
exploited
enhance
resolving
power
for
particle-type
classification.
tracks
analyzed
by
spectral-sensitive
pattern
recognition
algorithms.
response
matrix
newly
derived
based
on
experimental
calibrations
well-defined
radiation
including
in-beam
rotational
scans
protons
performed
at
various
energies
directions.
Clinical
beams
radiotherapeutic
intensities
range
225–12
MeV
were
used
configurations
with
without
tissue-equivalent
phantom.
Detailed
results
components
can
be
produce
total
partial
fluxes,
dose
rate,
absorbed
dose,
deposited
energy,
linear-energy-transfer
(LET)
spectra.
Dedicated
Monte
Carlo
(MC)
simulations
compared
field
composition,
fluence,
energy.
numerical
information
aids
interpretation
data,
includes
also
neutrons.
developed
methodology
applied
research
routine
measurements
varying
complexity.
Radiation Measurements,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
177, P. 107252 - 107252
Published: July 24, 2024
This
review
explores
current
experimental
methods
for
determining
the
radiation
quality
in
ion
beams.
In
this
context,
is
commonly
evaluated
using
averaged
linear
energy
transfer
(LET),
a
metric
employed
to
assess
response
of
both
biological
and
physical
systems.
Dose
LET
can
be
experimentally
determined
with
passive
detectors
through
various
techniques
that
have
seen
recent
improvements.
Another
related
mean
lineal
energy,
which
measurable
microdosimetric
detectors.
focuses
on
available
possibilities
evaluating
three
microdosimeters
(mini-TEPC,
Silicon
Telescope,
SOI
Microplus),
luminescence
(based
optical,
thermo-,
radiophoto-luminescence),
track-based
(track-etched
detector,
Timepix,
fluorescent
nuclear
track
detector),
chemical
detector
based
alanine.
A
comparison
properties
provided
along
an
overview
underlying
mechanisms
enabling
assessment
or
measurements
each
type.
Finally,
summarizes
determination
respect
needs
assurance
particle
therapy.
Areas
future
research
development
are
suggested.
Physics in Medicine and Biology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
69(12), P. 125030 - 125030
Published: May 30, 2024
Abstract
Objective.
There
is
an
increasing
interest
in
calculating
and
measuring
linear
energy
transfer
(LET)
spectra
particle
therapy
order
to
assess
their
impact
biological
terms.
As
such,
the
accuracy
of
fluence
becomes
paramount.
This
study
focuses
on
quantifying
depositions
distinct
proton,
helium,
carbon,
oxygen
ion
beams
using
a
silicon
pixel
detector
developed
at
CERN
determine
LET
silicon.
Approach.
While
detection
systems
have
been
investigated
this
pursuit,
scarcity
detectors
capable
providing
per-ion
data
with
high
spatial
temporal
resolution
remains
issue.
gap
where
technology
steps
in,
enabling
online
tracking
single-ion
deposition.
The
used
consisted
300
µ
m
thick
sensor
operated
partial
depletion.
Main
results.
During
post-processing,
artifacts
acquired
signals
were
identified
methods
for
corrections
developed.
Subsequently,
correlation
between
measured
Monte
Carlo-based
simulated
deposition
distributions
was
performed,
relying
two-step
recalibration
approach
based
saturating
exponential
models.
Despite
observed
saturation
effects,
deviations
confined
below
7%
across
entire
range
track-averaged
values
from
0.77
keV
−1
93.16
.
Significance.
Simulated
mean
found
be
aligned
within
7%,
after
applying
artifact
corrections.
extends
accessible
clinically
relevant
validates
reliability
measurements.
These
findings
pave
way
towards
LET-based
dosimetry
through
translate
these
measurements
water.
will
addressed
future
study,
extending
functionality
treatment
planning
into
clinical
routine,
potential
ion-beam
utmost
precision
cancer
patients.
Physics in Medicine and Biology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
69(16), P. 165006 - 165006
Published: July 10, 2024
This
study
aims
to
assess
the
composition
of
scattered
particles
generated
in
proton
therapy
for
tumors
situated
proximal
some
titanium
(Ti)
dental
implants.
The
investigation
involves
decomposing
mixed
field
and
recording
Linear
Energy
Transfer
(LET)
spectra
quantify
influence
metallic
inserts
located
behind
tumor.