Distal edge determination precision for a multi-slat prompt-gamma camera: A comprehensive simulation and optimization of the detection system. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morozov, A.; Simões, H.; Crespo, P.
• Is Part Of: Physica medica. Volume 84(2021)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 100
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: 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.2021.03.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1120-1797

Abstract

Highlights: Comprehensive simulation of MSPG camera including optical photons. Distal edge position determination is based on analysis of signal waveforms. Camera is optimized for highest possible precision in the computed edge position. Precision of 2 mm (full width half maximum) in the edge position is reached. Abstract: Multi-slat prompt-gamma camera is a promising tool for range monitoring during proton therapy. We report the results of a comprehensive simulation study analyzing the precision which is possible to reach with this camera in determination of the position of the distal edge of the Bragg peak. For the first time we include simulation of optical photons. The proton beam (single pencil beam, 130 MeV, 10 ns bunch period, total of 1·10 8 protons) is interacting with a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom, which is a cylinder of 200 mm in diameter and length. The prompt gamma rays generated in the phantom are collimated with a multi-slat collimator and detected using a combination of yttrium aluminum perovskite (YAP) scintillators, installed in the collimator apertures, and light sensors. Two scintillator packing schemes, with one and with two scintillator plates per aperture, are considered. The collimator configuration (the septal thickness, aperture and height), resulting in the best precision, is determined using two methods of detector optimization. Precision of 2.1 mm (full width at half maximum) in the edge position determination is demonstrated.