Prog Med Phys.  2012 Sep;23(3):162-168.

Study on Optimization of Detection System of Prompt Gamma Distribution for Proton Dose Verification

• Lee HR
• Min CH
• Park JH
• Kim SH
• Kim CH

Abstract

In proton therapy, in vivo dose verification is one of the most important parts to fully utilize characteristics of proton dose distribution concentrating high dose with steep gradient and guarantee the patient safety. Currently, in order to image the proton dose distribution, a prompt gamma distribution detection system, which consists of an array of multiple CsI(Tl) scintillation detectors in the vertical direction, a collimator, and a multi-channel DAQ system is under development. In the present study, the optimal design of prompt gamma distribution detection system was studied by Monte Carlo simulations using the MCNPX code. For effective measurement of high-energy prompt gammas with enough imaging resolution, the dimensions of the CsI(Tl) scintillator was determined to be 6x6x50 mm3. In order to maximize the detection efficiency for prompt gammas while minimizing the contribution of background gammas generated by neutron captures, the hole size and the length of the collimator were optimized as 6x6 mm2 and 150 mm, respectively. Finally, the performance of the detection system optimized in the present study was predicted by Monte Carlo simulations for a 150 MeV proton beam. Our result shows that the detection system in the optimal dimensions can effectively measure the 2D prompt gamma distribution and determine the beam range within 1 mm errors for 150 MeV proton beam.

Keyword

Proton therapy; Prompt gamma; Dose verification; Monte Carlo simulation

MeSH Terms

Benzoquinones
Neutrons
Patient Safety
Proton Therapy
Protons
Benzoquinones
Protons