Design optimization of a pixel-based range telescope for proton computed tomography. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pettersen, Helge Egil Seime; Alme, Johan; Barnaföldi, Gergely Gábor; Barthel, Rene; van den Brink, Anthony; Chaar, Mamdouh; Eikeland, Viljar; García-Santos, Alba; Genov, Georgi; Grimstad, Silje; Grøttvik, Ola; Helstrup, Håvard; Hetland, Kristin Fanebust; Mehendale, Shruti; Meric, Ilker; Odland, Odd Harald; Papp, Gábor; Peitzmann, Thomas; Piersimoni, Pierluigi; Ur Rehman, Attiq; Richter, Matthias; Samnøy, Andreas Tefre; Seco, Joao; Shafiee, Hesam; Skjæveland, Eivind Vågslid; Sølie, Jarle Rambo; Tambave, Ganesh; Ullaland, Kjetil; Varga-Kofarago, Monika; Volz, Lennart; Wagner, Boris; Yang, Shiming; Röhrich, Dieter;
• Is Part Of: Physica medica. Volume 63(2019)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Proton computed tomography -- Detector optimization -- Monte Carlo simulation -- Track reconstruction; Medical physics -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Imagerie médicale -- Périodiques; Radiothérapie -- Périodiques; Rayons X -- Sécurité -- Mesures -- Périodiques; Physique -- Périodiques; Médecine -- Périodiques; 610.153
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2019.05.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1120-1797

Abstract

Highlights: A pixel-based range telescope is a good candidate for proton computed tomography. The detector design must be optimized for proton track reconstruction. A design with 3.5 mm Al absorbers between the sensor layers is recommended. Simulations show that over ten million protons per second can be reconstructed. Abstract: Purpose: A pixel-based range telescope for tracking particles during proton imaging is described. The detector applies a 3D matrix of stacked Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors with fast readout speeds. This study evaluates different design alternatives of the range telescope on basis of the protons' range accuracy and the track reconstruction efficiency. Method: Detector designs with different thicknesses of the energy-absorbing plates between each sensor layer are simulated using the GATE/Geant4 Monte Carlo software. Proton tracks traversing the detector layers are individually reconstructed, and a Bragg curve fitting procedure is applied for the calculation of each proton's range. Results: Simulations show that the setups with 4 mm and thinner absorber layers of aluminum have a low range uncertainty compared to the physical range straggling, systematic errors below 0.3 mm water equivalent thickness and a track reconstruction capability exceeding ten million protons per second. Conclusions: In order to restrict the total number of layers and to yield the required tracking and range resolution properties, a design recommendation is reached where the proposed range telescope applies 3.5 mm thick aluminum absorber slabs between each sensor layer.