Development of a proton Computed Tomography Detector System

TL;DR

This paper describes the development and initial testing of a proton computed tomography system designed for medical imaging and precise patient positioning in hadron therapy, utilizing fiber trackers and a plastic scintillator range detector.

Contribution

It introduces a second-generation proton CT system with novel detector components, electronics, and data acquisition, along with initial test beam results.

Findings

Successful assembly of the detector system

Preliminary test beam results obtained

System commissioning completed

Abstract

Computer tomography is one of the most promising new methods to image abnormal tissues inside the human body. Tomography is also used to position the patient accurately before radiation therapy. Hadron therapy for treating cancer has become one of the most advantageous and safe options. In order to fully utilize the advantages of hadron therapy, there is a necessity of performing radiography with hadrons as well. In this paper we present the development of a proton computed tomography system. Our second-generation proton tomography system consists of two upstream and two downstream trackers made up of fibers as active material and a range detector consisting of plastic scintillators. We present details of the detector system, readout electronics, and data acquisition system as well as the commissioning of the entire system. We also present preliminary results from the test beam of the range detector.