WO2017121795A1

WO2017121795A1 - Method and device for determining a spatial characteristic of a particle beam

Info

Publication number: WO2017121795A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/050560
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aswin HOFFMANN; Oliver Speck
Original assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf E.V.
Priority date: 2016-01-15
Filing date: 2017-01-12
Publication date: 2017-07-20
Also published as: DE102016100638B4; DE102016100638A1

Abstract

According to various embodiments, a method (100) can comprise the following: generating (101) a magnetic field in an irradiation zone; irradiating (103) the irradiation zone by means of a particle beam having spin-polarized particles; detecting (105) an excitation of the spin-polarized particles caused by the magnetic field; and determining (107) a spatial characteristic of the particle beam on the basis of the excitation.

Description

description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A SPATIAL CHARACTERISTIC OF A

PARTICULAR RAY The invention relates to a method and a device.

In general, a material can be irradiated to process the material. The radiation is partially absorbed by the material and thereby releases energy to the material. By means of the released energy, the material can be heated, ionized and chemically and / or physically changed.

For irradiation, conventionally, electromagnetic waves (e.g., gamma rays and X-rays) are mainly used. Alternatively, particles (e.g., neutrons, protons and heavy ions, e.g., carbon atoms) may be used for irradiation. In contrast to electromagnetic waves, the energy loss per unit of path length in the material increases with particles with decreasing energy of the particle. As a result, a large part of the energy is released into the material at the end of the beam path (the so-called Bragg peak). This results in the possibility of precisely and selectively processing the material, e.g. an area to be irradiated (the so-called target area) inside the material (e.g., a tumor). These

Property can be exploited in radiotherapy to protect the tissue surrounding the target area, i. as little as possible with radiation.

Conventional radiotherapy (e.g., tumor therapy) using proton beams thus provides much higher levels due to the physical properties of the particles

Depth controllability and specificity of the dose application as conventional radiotherapy with high energy X-rays (e.g., Megavolt photons). In radiotherapy, in addition to the precise planning of the targeted dose distribution in the target area, above all the accuracy during irradiation is decisive for the success of therapy and the protection of the healthy tissue. In particular, particle therapy (e.g., the

Proton therapy) due to the steep distal dose gradients at the so-called Bragg peak and the sensitivity to density variations along the beam path, may be susceptible to anatomical variations such as e.g. Organ movement or breathing. This complicates a precise dose application in conventional radiotherapy.

According to various embodiments, a spatially resolved and / or time-resolved measurement of the position of the particle beam relative to the, for example changing, anatomical conditions provided during the irradiation. This makes it possible to control and / or regulate the range of the particle beam and thus the introduced (applied or deposited) dose distribution (also referred to as effected dose distribution). In other words, a spatial and / or temporal distribution of the irradiation dose caused in the target area can be measured, controlled and / or regulated, for example based on the anatomical conditions.

Clearly, a combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with particle irradiation (e.g., for proton therapy) for real-time image guidance, real-time radiation guidance, and / or monitoring thereof is provided. For example, an image-guided radiotherapy is provided. This enables real-time imaging of the irradiated area (e.g., in the position of tumor and normal tissue), e.g. for adaptive irradiation, direct measurement, visualization of the particle beam (e.g., proton beam) in tissue (e.g., in the patient), and / or for real-time range verification.

According to various embodiments, a method may include: generating a (e.g., magnet induced) magnetic field in an irradiation region; Irradiating the irradiation area by means of a particle beam having spin-polarized particles; Detecting excitation of the spin-polarized particles caused by the magnetic field; and determining a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on the excitation.

For example, the excitation can cause the particle beam to emit an alternating magnetic field (which can also be called a magnetic response field) which can be detected. The magnetic response field may, for example, cause an electromagnetic signal in a sensor arrangement, by means of which the detection takes place. According to various embodiments, the particles may also be referred to as particles.

According to various embodiments, the particles may have an electrical charge (charge particles). In other words, the particles (eg, protons or ions) may be electrically charged. According to various embodiments, the spin (illustratively rotation or spin) may be understood as an intrinsic angular momentum of the particles. The spin of an electrically charged particle (also referred to simply as charged particle) can cause a magnetic moment along the spin (ie in its direction)

for example, ions or protons. Similarly, electrically neutral particles (also referred to simply as neutral particles) may have a spin and a magnetic moment associated therewith, e.g. Deuterium nuclei.

As spin polarization can be understood, if the spin of all particles of the

Particle beam a preferred direction (may also be referred to as polarization direction), i. if the spin is not random (e.g., random). In other words, the spin of the particles may have an at least partially (partially or completely) ordered orientation. As a result, the particle beam may have a magnetic moment (dipole moment) parallel to the preferred direction in the spatial and / or temporal mean. Simplified, spin polarization may also be referred to herein as polarization.

In a magnetic field, the spin acts on a torque which tends to align the magnetic moment of the spin parallel to the field direction of the magnetic field. The torque may be defined by the vectorial product of the magnetic moment of the particle and the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field. The torque can be perpendicular to the spin and to the field direction of the magnetic field, causing a precession (illustrative gyration) of the spin. The precession can be done with the Larmor frequency, which results from the product of the gyromagnetic ratio with the flux density of the magnetic field (as angular frequency). The gyromagnetic ratio can be understood as a proportionality factor between the angular momentum (or spin) of a particle and the associated magnetic moment. Illustratively, the magnetic field may cause excitation of the spin-polarized particles, e.g. similar to the excitation of the atomic nuclei of a material in the sense of a

Magnetic resonance. By means of the excitation of the particles, a precession (e.g., transversely magnetized) of the spin can be effected, which causes the emission of the magnetic

Can cause response field. For this purpose, the direction of the spin of the particles (or the spin polarization) may have a component perpendicular to a field direction of the magnetic field (for example, to the direction of flow of the magnetic field). For example, the spin polarization may or may be oriented perpendicular to the field direction of the magnetic field. The magnetic response field can be detected, for example by means of the sensor arrangement (eg by means of a high-frequency coil). The magnetic field (eg, its flux density) may define the frequency of the emitted magnetic response field (ie, the Larmor frequency of the particles).

A Larmor precession can be understood as a precession of the spin (illustratively angular momentum with a magnetic dipole moment) around the magnetic field direction. The frequency of the Larmor precession may be referred to as the Larmor frequency. The Larmor precession can be effected by an interaction between the magnetic moment of the spin and the magnetic field. This may also apply to electrically neutral particles (e.g., a neutron or an electrically neutral atom, e.g., deuterium) composed of charged particles but whose magnetic moments do not add to zero, e.g. the atoms of a material. In other words, the spin-polarized particles can be excited to precession, i. to a Larmorpräzession of the particles and / or with a Larmorfrequenz of the particles. Similarly, a material may be excited for Larmor precession, i. to a Larmor precession of the material and / or to a Larmor frequency of the material. The Larmor frequency of the spin-polarized particles may differ from the Larmor frequency of the material.

According to various embodiments, detecting the excitation may include detecting a physical quantity that represents the excitation (eg, the spin precession of the particles and / or the nuclear spin precession of the material). The physical quantity can be, for example, a magnetic quantity (eg of the magnetic response field), eg a flux density, a magnetic field strength and / or a magnetic flux, eg its spatial and / or temporal change (eg its frequency and / or its spectrum). Alternatively or additionally, the physical quantity may be an electrical quantity, for example an electrical current, an electrical voltage and / or an electrical energy, for example their spatial and / or temporal change (eg their frequency and / or their spectrum). The electrical quantity may represent, for example, an interaction of the excitation with the sensor arrangement. Illustratively, the precession of a spin can lead to the generation of the time-varying magnetic response field, which induces an electrical current in the sensor arrangement which can be measured. According to various embodiments, the (eg, magnetically induced) magnetic field may include at least one of: a static (ie, temporally and / or spatially substantially constant) first magnetic field (may also be referred to as magnetic)

Background field); a time-varying second magnetic field (may also be referred to as a stimulating magnetic field or magnetic excitation field); and / or a spatially and / or time-varying third magnetic field (which, for example, has a spatial gradient can then also be called a magnetic interference field). According to various embodiments, a method may include generating a magnetic field (may also be referred to as a magnet-induced magnetic field) in an irradiation region in which a material is disposed, wherein the magnetic field defines a Larmor frequency of the material (eg, the atomic nuclei of the material) the material is stimulated); Irradiating the material by means of a particle beam, wherein the particle beam another magnetic field (can also as

radiation-induced magnetic field are designated) which superimposes the magnetic field; Detecting a change in the Larmor frequency (of the material) caused by the further magnetic field; and determining a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on the change. Capturing the Change of

Larmor frequency can be carried out, for example, phase-sensitive.

According to various embodiments, an electrical charge flow effected by the particle beam may define the further magnetic field. The additional magnetic field can be generated when the particles have an electrical charge (i.e., when the particle beam causes an electric charge flow). The additional magnetic field can be defined by the electric current strength of the particle beam. The electrical current intensity of the particle beam may be defined by the electrical charge and the velocity of the particles and / or by its fluence. In other words, the additional magnetic field (e.g., magnetic flux) thereof may or may not be defined by the electric current of the particle beam.

The irradiation dose may or may not be defined by the fluence of the particle beam. The fluence may refer to the number of particles passing through a given area (eg, the cross-sectional area of the particle beam). The further magnetic field may have a gradient (can then also as

magnetic gradient field). In other words, the additional magnetic field can be inhomogeneous. The additional magnetic field can be a circular magnetic field. Clearly, the additional magnetic field can interfere with the Larmor precession of the material (e.g., in the vicinity of the particle beam). The additional magnetic field can be a temporal

Change slower than with the Larmor frequency. In other words, the additional magnetic field (e.g., the gradient field) may be changed at a frequency that is less than the Larmor frequency (e.g., at least one order of magnitude) and / or less than about 1 MHz (i.e., low frequency). In that case, the other one

Magnetic field be referred to as a beam-induced magnetic interference field. The perturbation due to the beam-induced magnetic interference field may cause a change in the Larmor frequency of the material which may be detected. According to various embodiments, the Larmor frequency of the material may range from about 10 MHz (megahertz) to about 500 MHz

(high frequency), e.g. in a range from about 30 MHz to about 300 MHz (in other words ultra-short wave range), e.g. in a range of about 30 MHz to about 100 MHz. The Larmor frequency may be defined by the magnetic field or, e.g. of its magnetic flux density. A proportionality factor between the Larmor frequency of the material and the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field may range from about 10 MHz / T (megahertz / Tesla) to about 100 MHz / T, e.g. in a range of about 25 MHz / T to about 75 MHz / T, e.g.

about 42.6 MHz / T.

According to various embodiments, the material may include or be formed from an organic material, e.g. organic tissue. The organic material may include or be formed from living material. According to various embodiments, the method may further comprise:

Identifying a target area of the material to be irradiated by the particle beam based on the spatial characteristic of the material; and irradiating the target area with the particle beam. According to various embodiments, the first magnetic field may be temporally constant (ie static). The second magnetic field and / or the further magnetic field can be temporally and / or spatially variable (or at least temporally and / or spatially have variable components), eg faster than the first magnetic field and / or as the third magnetic field.

According to various embodiments, the first magnetic field may include a magnetic flux density (e.g., in the irradiation area, in the material, and / or in the

Target area) greater than about 0.35 T (Tesla), e.g. in a range of about 0.35 T to about 5 T, e.g. in a range from about 1 T to about 3 T (may also be referred to as a clinical area). According to various embodiments, the second magnetic field, the additional magnetic field (e.g., the beam induced magnetic interference field) and / or the third magnetic field (e.g.

magnet-induced magnetic interference field) have a smaller magnetic flux density than the first magnetic field.

According to various embodiments, the second magnetic field, the third magnetic field and / or the further magnetic field may have a magnetic flux density (e.g., in the irradiation area, in the material and / or in the target area) of less than about 0.5 T, e.g. of less than about 0.1 T (e.g., in a range of about 1 mT (millitesla) to about 100 mT), e.g. less than about 1 mT, e.g. less than about 100 μΤ (microtesla), e.g. in a range of about 0.1 μΤ to about 10 μΤ or to about 100 μΤ.

According to various embodiments, the additional magnetic field (e.g., the beam-induced perturbation field and / or the beam-induced excitation field) may have a greater gradient than the magnetic field (e.g., as the first magnetic field and / or as the second magnetic field), e.g. in the magnetic flux density.

According to various embodiments, the third magnetic field (e.g., the magnet-induced noise field) may have a larger gradient than the first magnetic field and / or as the second magnetic field, e.g. in the magnetic flux density.

According to various embodiments, detecting the change in the Larmor frequency of the material may be in a spatial volume in which the

Larmorfrequenz (essentially) spatially distributed equally. Clearly, the extent of the spatial volume in which is detected, be set up so small that a shift in the Larmor frequency can be detected. This can be done quantitatively determining properties of the particle beam, for example, in contrast, as if only the presence of a disturbance is detected. According to various embodiments, detecting the change in Larmor frequency may include centering the Larmor frequency of the material over a predefined spatial volume. In other words, a spatially averaged deviation of the Larmor frequency can be detected. The Larmor frequency of the material can generally be spatially and / or temporally variable due to external influences, such as gradients or other effects. The beam-induced magnetic interference field can bring about a further change that can be detected (for example, by recording and comparing measured data and / or image data with and without a particle beam).

According to various embodiments, a method may include generating a magnetic field (may also be referred to as a magnet-induced magnetic field) in an irradiation region in which a material is disposed, the magnetic field defining a Larmor frequency of the material (ie, a Larmor frequency at which the material is excited becomes); Generating a particle beam, the particle beam having a plurality of pulses whose frequency defines a frequency of the particle beam (may also be referred to as pulse frequency), which is different from the

Larmor frequency; Irradiating the material by means of the particle beam, wherein the

Particle beam another magnetic field (can also be referred to as a beam-induced magnetic field) is generated, which superimposes the magnetic field; Modulate the

Particle beam with the Larmor frequency; Detecting an excitation of the material caused by the further magnetic field; and determining a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on excitation.

Clearly, the additional magnetic field can be modulated with the Larmor frequency of the material. This allows the material to be stimulated to Larchorpräzession. If the further magnetic field is modulated with the Larmor frequency of the material, the additional magnetic field can also be referred to as a beam-induced magnetic excitation field.

According to various embodiments, the frequency (pulse frequency) may be a

Reverse frequency (in the case of a cyclotron, a cyclotron frequency), with which the particle beam is generated. The orbital frequency may be greater than the Larmor frequency. Illustratively, the frequency can be defined, for example, by a particle beam source (eg a cyclotron) (which can then also be referred to as the rotational frequency), by means of which the particle beam is generated. Clearly, the particle beam may or may not be modulated with the Larmor frequency, regardless of the configuration of the generation. This can be achieved that a smaller magnetic flux density for the first magnetic field is needed and / or can be more easily respond to changes.

Illustratively, the frequency of a pulsed particle beam which is e.g. is produced by means of a cyclotron, in an area which is difficult or impossible to excite the material to make without technically complex changes. Therefore, conventionally very strong magnets would have to be used to generate the first magnetic field to match the Larmor frequency of the material to the

Adjust pulse frequency of the particle beam source and / or it would have an energetically ineffective particle beam source can be used to their pulse rate to the

To adjust the Larmor frequency. In contrast, according to various embodiments, the technical configuration of the particle beam source and / or the technical configuration of the MRI components can be maintained, which saves costs and effort.

According to various embodiments, generating the particle beam may include the particle beam for forming the plurality of pulses at the frequency

(Fade frequency) hide, wherein the fading of the particle beam and the detection of the excitation take place alternately. The fade frequency may be smaller than the Larmor frequency.

According to various embodiments, the modulating may include

Pulse particle beam with the Larmor frequency. According to various embodiments, the modulating may include a

Amplitude of the particle beam (e.g., the particle beam current) to vary with the Larmor frequency.

According to various embodiments, a method may include: generating a magnetic field in an irradiation region in which a material is disposed; Generating a particle beam, wherein the particle beam has a plurality of pulses whose frequency defines a frequency of the particle beam and / or wherein the particle beam is modulated with the frequency; Irradiation of the material by means of

Particle beam, wherein the particle beam generates a further magnetic field, which superimposes the magnetic field; Modulating the particle beam with another frequency which is different from the frequency (of the particle beam); Detecting a (eg magnetic) excitation of the material (eg its nuclear magnetic resonance), which by the further Magnetic field is effected; and determining a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on excitation.

The frequency of the particle beam may, in various embodiments, range from about 10 MHz (megahertz) to about 500 MHz, e.g. in a range from about 50 MHz to about 200 MHz, e.g. about 106 MHz. The frequency may be, for example, a cyclotron frequency (may also be referred to as a gyration frequency), e.g. when the particle beam is generated by means of a cyclotron (for example by means of an isochronous cyclotron which has a temporal constant

Having a gyration frequency). The cyclotron frequency may indicate a rotational frequency of the particles in the magnetic field of the cyclotron.

Optionally, the material may alternatively or additionally be excited optically and / or electrically.

For example, the modulating of the particle beam may be at multiple frequencies (e.g., a frequency spectrum), at least one frequency of which is the other frequency. Alternatively, the particle beam may be constant over time.

The pulses of the particle beam may have a temporal extension (may also be referred to as pulse width). The pulse width may be defined by the energy of the particle beam or, for example, regardless of the frequency of the

Particle beam.

The pulse width may define other harmonic frequencies of the particle beam which are different from the Larmor frequency. Clearly, for determining the spatial characteristics of the particle beam, the energy in the modulation which is at the Larmor frequency can be relevant.

According to various embodiments, the frequency of the particle beam may be different from (e.g., greater than) the Larmor frequency. Alternatively or additionally, the additional frequency (which may also be referred to as the modulation frequency) may be the Larmor frequency. Illustratively, a pulsed particle beam with the

Larmor frequency be modulated or become. According to various embodiments, the particle beam may or may not be sinusoidally modulated.

Modulating the particle beam may comprise continuously modulating the particle beam (e.g., sinusoidal), i. interruption. For example, the

Particle beam continuously (i.e., unpulsed) and modulated. For example, the particle beam may or may not be amplitude modulated.

Alternatively, modulating the particle beam may discretely modulate the particle beam, e.g. binary (e.g., to pulse). For example, the particle beam may be or may be pulsed at the Larmor frequency (e.g., by blanking). By way of example, a first pulse of the particle beam with the frequency and a second pulse of the particle beam with the further frequency can be superimposed on one another. According to various embodiments, the modulating of the particle beam may include a spatial and / or temporal distribution of a charge current of the

Particle beam (e.g., its electric current).

According to various embodiments, the frequency may be the Larmor frequency and / or the further frequency may be less than the Larmor frequency. Illustratively, the particle beam may be modulated at a frequency less than the Larmor frequency, e.g. fade in and out (then the other frequency can also be used as

Blanking frequency). According to various embodiments, modulating the particle beam may include masking out the particle beam having the further frequency (e.g., the cutoff frequency), wherein the masking of the particle beam and the detection of the stimulus may occur alternately. According to various embodiments, the fade-out may occur periodically, e.g. with a frequency different from the Larmor frequency, e.g. smaller than that

Larmor frequency.

According to various embodiments, a method may include: generating a magnetic field in an irradiation region in which a material is disposed, the magnetic field defining a Larmor frequency of the material;

Irradiating the material by means of a particle beam, wherein the particle beam another Generates magnetic field which superimposes the magnetic field; Exciting the material by means of the further magnetic field by modulating the particle beam with the Larmor frequency; and hiding the particle beam; Detecting the excitation of the material while the particle beam is hidden; and determining a spatial characteristic of the

Particle beam based on the excitation of the material.

The modulated particle beam may be continuous (i.e., uninterrupted).

For example, the particle beam may be amplitude modulated. For example, a continuous particle beam may or may not be generated by means of a cyclotron (e.g., a synchro-cyclotron).

Alternatively, the particle beam may or may not be pulsed. For example, a pulsed particle beam may be generated by means of a cyclotron (e.g., an isochronous cyclotron). Optionally, the pulsed particle beam may or may not be amplitude modulated.

To excite the material, the second magnetic field and / or the other

Magnetic field have the Larmorfrequenz of the material, i. be temporally variable with the Larmor frequency.

According to various embodiments, detecting the excitation (e.g., the particle) may include detecting a Doppler effect (also referred to as Doppler shift) of the particle beam, wherein the spatial energy distribution of the particle beam is determined based on the Doppler effect. For example, the Doppler effect can be detected when the particle beam itself is causing a sufficient signal (e.g., when it is polarized).

According to various embodiments, the spatial characteristic of the

Particle beam represent a spatial energy distribution of the particle beam.

Alternatively or additionally, the spatial characteristic may be a spatial position of a Bragg peak of the particle beam; a range of the particle beam; represent a trajectory of the particle beam and / or a spatial current density distribution.

According to various embodiments, the method may further comprise: generating a set of first image data based on, for example, the excitation (the spin-polarized particle and / or the material) representing the spatial characteristic of the particle beam; Generating a set of second image data representing the spatial Characteristic of a material represented; and superimposing the first image data and the second image data.

According to various embodiments, detecting the excitation (of the spin-polarized particle and / or the material) may comprise detecting an electromagnetic emission caused by the excitation. The electromagnetic emission may include emitting an alternating electromagnetic field (illustratively a magnetic response field). For this purpose, the particle beam at least partially

be (partially or completely) polarized perpendicular to the magnetic field or be.

A first electromagnetic emission (first magnetic response field) can be caused by the excitation of the material (material excitation). The first electromagnetic emission may also be referred to as material-induced emission (material-induced magnetic response field).

A second electromagnetic emission (second magnetic response field) can be caused by the excitation of the particles (particle excitation). The second

Electromagnetic emission can also be called particle-induced emission

(particle-induced magnetic response field).

According to various embodiments, the spatial characteristic of the

Particle beam based on electromagnetic emission (e.g.

particle-induced emission and / or material-induced emission). According to various embodiments, the method may further comprise: determining a spatial characteristic of a material disposed in the irradiation area.

According to various embodiments, the spatial characteristic of the material may be determined based on electromagnetic emission (e.g., material-induced emission).

According to various embodiments, the method may further comprise: controlling and / or controlling the irradiation and / or the particle beam based on the spatial characteristic of the particle beam. According to various embodiments, the controlling and / or controlling may include determining one or more beam guidance parameters based on the spatial characteristics of the particle beam and guiding the particle beam according to the one or more beam guidance parameters.

According to various embodiments, the controlling and / or regulating may include one or more attenuation parameters based on the spatial

To determine the characteristic of the particle beam and to attenuate the particle beam according to the one or more attenuation parameters. For example, the particle beam may be exposed to a first energy (e.g., electrical energy and / or energy)

Particulate energy) and / or a first power (e.g., electrical power) and attenuated to a second energy and / or power in accordance with the one or more attenuation parameters. Alternatively or additionally, the particles of the particle beam may be generated at a first energy (e.g., kinetic energy) and attenuated to a second energy according to the one or more attenuation parameters. The kinetic energy of the particles (also referred to as particle energy) may define a penetration depth of the particle beam into the material. Illustratively, for example, an initial energy (and thus the

Penetration depth in the material) and / or the spatial characteristics (e.g., beam position) of the particle beam are changed (e.g., increased or decreased) by attenuation.

According to various embodiments, the controlling and / or regulating may include one or more irradiation duration parameters based on the spatial

To determine characteristic of the particle beam and to irradiate the irradiation area (or the material therein) according to the one or more irradiation duration parameters.

According to various embodiments, the method may further comprise: determining a spatial characteristic of a material disposed in the irradiation area; wherein the controlling and / or regulating takes place on the basis of a relation between the spatial characteristic of the particle beam and the spatial characteristic of the material. For example, a deviation quantity can be determined which represents a deviation of the spatial characteristic of the particle beam from a criterion, the criterion being defined by the spatial characteristic of the material. Illustratively, the criterion, for example, to be irradiated

Area (target area), whose position (orientation and / or position) of the spatial characteristic of the material is defined. Alternatively or additionally, the criterion may represent a target irradiation dose (eg, its spatial distribution).

For example, if the spatial characteristics of the material, e.g. When an organ is moved, the location of the target area may change. Then, the spatial characteristic of the particle beam may be adjusted (e.g., the position of the Bragg peak to be within the target range). Alternatively or additionally, an induced irradiation dose can be adapted to the spatial characteristics of the material.

According to various embodiments, the spatial characteristics of the particle beam and the spatial characteristics of the material may be matched (e.g., such that their difference is reduced from each other). For example, the material and / or the particle beam can be changed.

According to various embodiments, the spatial characteristic of the

Particle beam to track the spatial characteristics of the material.

For example, the particle beam may or may be adapted to the patient's situation. Alternatively or additionally, the spatial characteristic of the material can be tracked to the spatial characteristic of the particle beam. For example, the patient may be or may be adapted to the situation of the particle beam, e.g. in its position. Clearly, the particle beam and / or the patient can be moved.

According to various embodiments, alternatively or in addition to controlling and / or controlling the particle beam, control and / or regulation of the material may be effected (e.g., its spatial characteristics, e.g., its location, e.g., orientation and / or position).

According to various embodiments, controlling and / or controlling (e.g., the particle beam and / or the material) may include controlling and / or controlling a location (e.g., orientation and / or position) (e.g., of the particle beam and / or material).

For example, the particle beam can be superimposed with a normal MR image of a patient. This can be done independently or in addition to an adaptive irradiation (control and / or regulation of the particle beam). Vividly can to

Irradiation of the material to measure the spatial characteristics of the particle beam without adapting it (eg for dosimetry). According to various embodiments, controlling and / or regulating the

Particle beam based on the spatial characteristics of the particle beam and / or based on the spatial characteristics of the material, for. controlling and / or regulating a time duration of the irradiation and / or a controlling and / or

Rules of intensity of irradiation (which define the irradiation dose caused).

According to various embodiments, the method may further comprise: identifying a target area of the material, which by means of

Particle beam to be irradiated, based on the spatial characteristics of the material, which has the control and / or rules, a Bragg peak of the

Arrange particle beam in the target area.

According to various embodiments, the spatial characteristic of the material may represent a spatial distribution of a property of the material. The property of the material may be a physical property, e.g. a proton density, a relaxation time, an atomic mass, a mass density, a magnetic susceptibility, and / or a conductivity (e.g., an electrical conductivity and / or a magnetic conductivity). Alternatively or additionally, the property of the material may be a chemical property of the material. For example, the spatial

Characteristics of the material a chemical composition of the material

represent. The magnetic conductivity can also be referred to as magnetic permeability. The magnetic susceptibility can also be considered magnetic

Material response are called.

According to various embodiments, the spatial characteristic of the material may be determined by means of radiography and / or sonography.

According to various embodiments, the spatial characteristic of the material may represent at least one of: a chemical composition of the

Material (e.g., their spatial distribution); a spatial distribution of protons of

Material (e.g., its density); a spatial distribution of tissue parameters (e.g.

Longitudinal relaxation time Tl and / or transverse relaxation time T2) of the material; a position and / or orientation of a target area to be irradiated by the particle beam; and / or a spatial density distribution of the material. For example, the spatial characteristic of the material may represent tissue parameters (T1, T2, ...) and / or a weighted proton density distribution. According to various embodiments, the method may further comprise: generating a set of first image data, eg, based on the excitation, which represents the spatial characteristic of the particle beam, wherein the controlling and / or regulating is optionally based on the set of first image data.

According to various embodiments, the method may further comprise: generating a set of second image data representing the spatial

Represents characteristic of a material in the irradiation area, wherein the controlling and / or regulating is optionally based on the set of second image data.

Represents characteristic of the material in the irradiation area; and superimposing the first image data and the second image data.

According to various embodiments, the controlling and / or regulating may occur

Basis of the superimposed first image data and second image data done. According to various embodiments, the second image data may include at least X-ray absorption data. For this purpose, the material can be penetrated by X-rays (radiography). Alternatively or additionally, the second image data may include at least sound reflection data (e.g., ultrasound reflection data). For this purpose, the material can be penetrated by means of sound (for example ultrasound)

(Sonography).

According to various embodiments, determining the spatial

Characteristics of the particle beam in real time. According to various embodiments, controlling and / or regulating the

Particle beam in real time.

According to various embodiments, the excitation magnetic field may be effected by means of a modulation (e.g., temporal and / or spatial variation) of the particle beam, e.g. by modulating the particle beam with the Larmor frequency.

Alternatively or additionally, the exciting of the material by means of an external (eg means Coils) generated excitation magnetic field done. The excitation magnetic field may have the Larmor frequency of the material.

According to various embodiments, the magnetic interference field (for

spatial disturbance of the Larmor frequency of the material) by means of the particle beam, e.g. by modulating the particle beam at a frequency less than the Larmor frequency or not at all. Alternatively, the magnetic interference field (for spatially disturbing the Larmor frequency of the material) can be generated externally (e.g., by means of coils). The magnetic interference field can be a gradient field. The magnetic interference field may have a frequency less than the Larmor frequency.

Excitation of the material may include stimulating its atomic nuclei (e.g., their static protons), e.g. to encourage a precession. The precession can be the

Larmorfrequenz have.

According to various embodiments, the excitation magnetic field with the Larmor frequency can be changed over time.

According to various embodiments, the excitation may be precessing

Transverse magnetization (i.e., transverse to the field direction of the background field).

According to various embodiments, the third magnetic field and / or the magnetic interference field may be altered spatially and / or temporally (e.g., at yet another frequency). The still further frequency may be less than 1 MHz (low frequency), e.g. is in a range of about 1 kHz to about 500 kHz, e.g. in a range of about 10 kHz to about 100 kHz.

According to various embodiments, the generation of the second magnetic field and the detection of the excitation (e.g., the excitation of the particles and / or the material) may occur alternately so that they do not interfere with each other. This can be done, for example, if the magnetic excitation field has an influence on the particles of the particle beam.

According to various embodiments, the generation of the second magnetic field and the detection of the excitation (eg, the excitation of the particles and / or the material) may occur simultaneously. This can be done, for example, if the second magnetic field has no or little influence on the particles of the particle beam. Alternatively or additionally, the generation of the second magnetic field and the detection of the excitation can take place spatially separated from one another, for example in different subareas of the irradiation area. For example, the Larmorfrequenz by means of

magnetic interference field spatially changed be set up or become. For example, the background field may be superimposed or be superimposed on the magnetic interference field, which spatially distributes the value of the Larmor frequency.

According to various embodiments, an apparatus may include: an irradiation area; a magnet arrangement for generating a magnetic field in the irradiation area; a particle beam gun, which for irradiating the

Irradiation area is set up by means of a particle beam; a sensor arrangement configured to detect excitation in the irradiation area; an evaluation unit configured to determine a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on the excitation; and a controller, which is configured to control and / or regulate the magnet arrangement, the particle beam gun, the sensor arrangement and / or the evaluation unit according to one of the methods described herein. According to various embodiments, an apparatus may include: an irradiation area; a magnet arrangement for generating a magnetic field in the irradiation area; a particle beam gun, which for irradiating the

Irradiation range is set up by means of a particle beam, wherein the particle beam has polarized particles or is formed therefrom; a sensor assembly (may also be referred to as a receiver unit) adapted to detect excitation of the polarized particles, the excitation being effected by the magnetic field; and an evaluation unit configured to determine a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on the excitation. According to various embodiments, the sensor arrangement may be configured to detect a spatial energy distribution of the particle beam.

According to various embodiments, the sensor arrangement may be configured to detect a physical quantity that represents the excitation. According to various embodiments, the sensor arrangement may comprise one or more electric coils (may also be referred to as electromagnets or receiving antennas), eg at least two coils in Helmholtz configuration. According to various embodiments, the excitation may induce an electrical quantity, eg an electric current, in the sensor arrangement (eg one coil or several coils), eg by means of a magnetic interaction between the excitation and sensor arrangement (eg by means of an alternating magnetic field generated by the Excitation is effected).

According to various embodiments, the sensor arrangement may include a

Measuring device which is adapted to detect the electrical variable.

According to various embodiments, the sensor arrangement may be configured to detect a Doppler effect of the particle beam; wherein the evaluation unit is set up to determine a spatial energy distribution of the particle beam on the basis of the Doppler effect. Clearly, the frequency of the excitation (and thus, for example, the signal) of the spin-polarized (e.g., hyperpolarized) particle beam may shift. The shift of the frequency of the excitation can be detected.

According to various embodiments, an apparatus may include: an irradiation area for receiving a material; a magnet assembly for generating a magnetic field in the irradiation region, the magnetic field defining a Larmor frequency of the material; a particle beam gun, which is adapted to irradiate the material by means of a particle beam, wherein the particle beam generates a further magnetic field, which superimposes the magnetic field; a sensor arrangement arranged to detect a change in the Larmor frequency, the change being caused by the further magnetic field; and an evaluation unit configured to determine a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on the change.

According to various embodiments, the first magnetic field may be constant in time. The second magnetic field and / or the further magnetic field can be temporally and / or spatially variable.

According to various embodiments, the sensor arrangement for detecting the change of the Larmor frequency can be set up in a spatial volume in which the Larmor frequency is distributed substantially spatially the same. In essence, it can be understood that a variation is less than about 20%, eg, less than about 10%, eg, less than about 5%, eg, less than about 1%, eg, less than about 0.1%, eg, less as about 0.01%, eg less than about 0.001%), eg about 0.

According to various embodiments, the method may further comprise: displaying image data (e.g., the first image data and / or the second image data). Illustratively, a visualization of the particle beam (or its properties) and / or of the material (or its properties) can take place by means of imaging.

According to various embodiments, an apparatus may include: an irradiation area for receiving a material; a magnet assembly for generating a magnetic field in the irradiation region which defines a Larmor frequency of the material; a particle beam gun adapted to irradiate the material by means of a particle beam, the particle beam having a plurality of pulses whose frequency defines a frequency of the particle beam other than the Larmor frequency; and wherein the particle beam generates a further magnetic field which superimposes the magnetic field; a beam modulation arrangement configured to modulate the Larmor frequency particle beam; a

Sensor arrangement, which is adapted to detect an excitation of the material by the further magnetic field; and an evaluation unit configured to determine a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on the excitation. According to various embodiments, an apparatus may include: an irradiation area for receiving a material; a magnet arrangement for generating a magnetic field in the irradiation area; a particle beam gun, which is adapted to irradiate the material by means of a particle beam, wherein the particle beam has a plurality of pulses whose frequency is a frequency of the

Particle beam defined, and wherein the particle beam generates a further magnetic field, which superimposes the magnetic field; a beam modulation arrangement arranged to modulate the particle beam with a further frequency, wherein the further frequency is different from the frequency; a sensor assembly configured to detect excitation of the material by the further magnetic field; and an evaluation unit, which is used to determine a spatial characteristic of the

Particle beam is set up based on the excitation. According to various embodiments, the particle beam gun may be configured such that the frequency is greater than the Larmor frequency.

According to various embodiments, the beam modulation arrangement may be configured such that the further frequency is the Larmor frequency.

According to various embodiments, the beam modulation arrangement may be configured to modulate a spatial and / or temporal distribution of a charge current of the particle beam.

According to various embodiments, the particle beam gun may be configured such that the frequency of the particle beam is the Larmor frequency

According to various embodiments, the beam modulation arrangement may be configured such that the further frequency is smaller than the Larmor frequency.

According to various embodiments, the beam modulation arrangement may include a beam blanking arrangement configured to blank out the particle beam, wherein the controller is arranged to control the beam blanking arrangement and the sensor arrangement such that the blanking of the particle beam and the detection of the pickup are alternated, so that they do not bother.

According to various embodiments, the sensor arrangement may be configured to detect an electromagnetic emission (e.g., an alternating magnetic field) caused by the excitation.

According to various embodiments, an apparatus may include: an irradiation area for receiving a material; a magnet assembly for generating a magnetic field in the irradiation region, the magnetic field defining a Larmor frequency of the material; a particle beam gun, which is adapted to irradiate the material by means of a particle beam, wherein the particle beam generates a further magnetic field, which superimposes the magnetic field; the

Particle beam gun is arranged to excite the material by means of the further magnetic field by the particle beam is modulated with the Larmor frequency; a Strahlausblende- arrangement which is adapted to hide the particle beam; a sensor arrangement, which is set up to detect the excitation; a controller, which for controlling the Strahlausblende- arrangement and the Sensor arrangement is set up such that the sensor arrangement detects the excitation while the particle beam is hidden; and an evaluation unit, which for

Determining a spatial characteristic of the particle beam is set up based on the excitation.

According to various embodiments, the sensor arrangement may be configured to detect an electromagnetic emission that is caused by the excitation, and the evaluation unit may be set up to determine the spatial characteristic of the

Particle beam to determine based on the electromagnetic emission.

According to various embodiments, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine at least one of the following: a spatial position of a Bragg peak of the particle beam; a range of the particle beam; and / or a trajectory of the particle beam.

According to various embodiments, the apparatus may further include a controller configured to control and / or regulate the particle beam gun based on the spatial characteristic of the particle beam. According to various embodiments, the device may include a holder for holding a material in the irradiation region. For example, if the material represents a patient, the holder may include or be formed from, for example, a patient couch and / or a patient chair. The holder (e.g., the patient couch and / or the patient chair) may be adjustably configured, e.g. allowing a location (orientation and / or position) of the material in the

Irradiation can be made and / or regulated.

According to various embodiments, the device may further include a controller configured to control and / or regulate the holder.

According to various embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a controller arranged to match the spatial characteristic of the particle beam and the spatial characteristic of the material (eg, such that their difference from each other is reduced). For example, the material and / or the particle beam can be changed. According to various embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a controller arranged to control and / or regulate a position of the material.

According to various embodiments, the particle beam gun can a

Have beam guiding arrangement; wherein the evaluation unit is further configured to determine one or more beam guidance parameters based on the spatial characteristic of the particle beam; wherein the controller is configured to guide the particle beam by means of the beam-guiding arrangement in accordance with the one or more beam-guidance parameters.

For example, the particle beam may be deflected according to the one or more beam guidance parameters.

According to various embodiments, the particle beam gun can a

Beam attenuation arrangement have; wherein the evaluation unit is further arranged to set one or more attenuation parameters based on the spatial

To determine the characteristic of the particle beam; and wherein the controller is configured to attenuate the particle beam by means of the beam attenuation arrangement in accordance with the one or more attenuation parameters.

According to various embodiments, the beam attenuation arrangement may include a movably mounted attenuator and an actuator. According to the one or more attenuation parameters, the attenuator may be moved into and / or out of the particle beam by means of the actuator. The attenuator may comprise or be formed from a particle-absorbing material, e.g.

Carbon in a carbon modification (such as graphite or amorphous).

According to various embodiments, the particle beam gun can a

Jet blanking arrangement have; wherein the evaluation unit is further configured to set one or more irradiation duration parameters based on the spatial

Determine characteristics of the particle beam, and wherein the controller is configured to hide the particle beam by means of the Strahlausblende arrangement according to the one or more irradiation duration parameter. According to various embodiments, the evaluation unit can also be set up to determine a spatial characteristic of a material when the material is arranged in the irradiation area; wherein the controller is further configured, the Controlling particle beam gun based on a relation between the spatial characteristics of the particle beam and the spatial characteristics of the material.

According to various embodiments, the evaluation unit can also be used for

Identify a target area of the material based on the spatial

Characteristics of the material to be set up, wherein the controller is further adapted to control the particle beam gun and / or to regulate such that a Bragg peak of the particle beam is arranged in the target area. According to various embodiments, the evaluation unit may be configured to determine a spatial distribution of properties of the material, e.g. at least one of the following: a spatial distribution of a chemical composition of the material; a position and / or orientation of a target area to be irradiated by the particle beam; a spatial distribution of protons of

material; spatial distribution of tissue parameters of the material; a spatial density distribution of the material.

According to various embodiments, the evaluation unit may further be adapted to generate a set of first image data, e.g. based on the excitation, wherein the set of first image data represents the spatial characteristic of the particle beam.

According to various embodiments, the controller may be further configured to control the particle beam gun based on the set of first image data.

According to various embodiments, the evaluation unit may be further configured to generate a set of second image data, wherein the set of second

Image data represents the spatial characteristic of a material in the irradiation area.

According to various embodiments, the controller may be further configured to control the particle beam gun based on the set of second image data.

According to various embodiments, the evaluation unit can also be used for

Overlay the first image data and the second image data to be established. According to various embodiments, the controller may be further configured to control the particle beam gun based on the superimposed first image data and second image data. According to various embodiments, the evaluation unit for determining the spatial characteristic of the particle beam can be set up in real time.

According to various embodiments, the controller for controlling and / or controlling the particle beam may be configured in real time.

Clearly, the controller may have a forward-looking control path and thus illustratively implement a flow control, which converts an input variable into an output variable. The control path can also be part of a control loop, so that a control is implemented. The control has, in contrast to the pure forward control, a continuous influence of the output on the

Input value, which is caused by the control loop (feedback). In other words, as an alternative or in addition to the control, a regulation can be used or, alternatively or in addition to the control, a regulation can take place. According to various embodiments, the magnet assembly may include at least one of: a first magnet assembly for generating a static first magnetic field; a second magnet arrangement for generating a temporally and / or spatially variable second magnetic field (magnetic excitation field); and / or a third magnet arrangement for generating a spatially varying third

Magnetic field (e.g., a magnetic field having a spatial gradient, i.e., a gradient field).

The third magnetic field (e.g., the gradient field) may be altered spatially and / or temporally more slowly than the second magnetic field (e.g., the magnetically-induced magnetic excitation field) and / or the additional magnetic field (e.g., the beam-induced magnetic field and / or the beam-induced magnetic excitation field).

The beam-induced magnetic interference field can be changed spatially and / or temporally more slowly than the beam-induced magnetic excitation field and / or the second magnetic field (eg the magnet-induced magnetic excitation field). According to various embodiments, the controller for controlling the

Sensor arrangement and the magnet assembly be set up such that the generation of the second magnetic field and the detection of the excitation take place alternately, so that they do not interfere with each other.

According to various embodiments, the controller for controlling the

Sensor arrangement and the magnet arrangement be set up such that the generation of the second magnetic field and the detection of the excitation occur simultaneously. According to various embodiments, the controller may be for controlling and / or

Be set up rules of irradiation dose, which is effected by means of the particle beam. The irradiation dose can be transferred to the material, for example.

According to various embodiments, the irradiation dose may represent an effect of the particle beam in the material, e.g. a dose energy and / or a dose rate. The dose energy may describe the energy delivered by the particle beam per unit mass to the material. The dose rate can describe the power delivered to the material per unit mass. Alternatively or additionally, the irradiation dose may represent a particulate dose (e.g., proton dose). The particulate dose may describe a number of the particles delivered to the material and / or an electrical charge delivered to the material.

According to various embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise an indicator for displaying image data (e.g., the first image data and / or the second image data).

According to various embodiments, the particle beam or the particles may comprise or be formed from at least one of the following: neutrons, protons, atoms and / or ions.

According to various embodiments, the particle beam may include or be formed from a proton beam.

According to various embodiments, the second magnetic field (eg the magnetically-induced magnetic excitation field), the further magnetic field (eg the beam-induced magnetic excitation field and / or the beam-induced magnetic interference field) and / or the third magnetic field (eg the magnet-induced magnetic interference field) have a magnetic flux density which is smaller than a magnetic flux density

Flux density of the first magnetic field, eg less than about 1 T (eg less than about 10 ^"1 T, eg less than about 10 ^{" 3} T, eg less than about 10 ^"5 T) and / or at least one order of magnitude (eg two , or more than two, eg more than three, eg more than four, eg more than five orders of magnitude).

According to various embodiments, the second magnetic field and / or a magnetic excitation field (may also be referred to as excitation magnetic field) may have a greater frequency than the first magnetic field, the third magnetic field and / or a magnetic interference field, e.g. by at least one order of magnitude (e.g., two, or more than two, e.g., more than three, e.g., more than four, e.g., more than five orders of magnitude).

According to various embodiments, the third magnetic field and / or a magnetic interference field may have a greater frequency than the first magnetic field, e.g. by at least one order of magnitude (e.g., two, or more than two, e.g., more than three, e.g., more than four, e.g., more than five orders of magnitude).

An order of magnitude can be understood as a factor 10 between two quantities. Two orders of magnitude can be understood as a factor of 100 between two sizes. Analogously, more than two orders of magnitude can be understood.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and are explained in more detail below. Show it

1 to 4 each show a method according to various embodiments in a schematic flowchart; FIGS. 5 to 8 each show a device according to various embodiments in a schematic cross-sectional view or side view;

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 each show a method according to various embodiments in a schematic sequence diagram;

11 shows an irradiation distribution according to various embodiments in a schematic diagram; FIG. 12 shows a particle beam gun according to various embodiments in a schematic cross-sectional view or side view; 13 shows a device according to various embodiments in one

schematic perspective view;

14 shows a particle beam source according to various embodiments in one

schematic cross-sectional view or side view; and

FIGS. 15 to 17 each show a method according to various embodiments in a schematic sequence diagram.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which is by way of illustration specific

Embodiments are shown in which the invention can be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "front", "rear", etc. is used with reference to the orientation of the described figure (s). Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology serves for

Illustration and is in no way limiting. It is understood that other embodiments are used and structural or logical changes

can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with each other unless specifically stated otherwise. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. As used herein, the terms "connected,""connected," and "coupled" are used to describe both direct and indirect connection, direct or indirect connection, and direct or indirect coupling. In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference numerals, as appropriate. According to various embodiments, a measurement and visualization of a particle beam (eg a proton beam) and / or its course may or may not be provided. According to various embodiments, it can be clearly understood that moving charges generate a magnetic field. The protons can penetrate (eg at about half the speed of light) into a patient. The electrical charge flux caused by the protons can generate a local magnetic field (also referred to as magnetic interference field) which locally disturbs the resonant frequency of the material according to the Larmor relationship. By means of (eg phase-sensitive) MR measurement, an extremely small frequency change of the resonance frequency of the material (Larmor frequency) can be measured. According to various embodiments, for example, a phase-sensitive MR measurement or other methods for frequency determination can be used. In other words, the influence of the magnetic field change, which is effected at the location of the particle beam by the latter, on the stationary material protons (eg tissue protons) can be detected. According to various embodiments, the sensor arrangement may be adapted to detect a (relative) frequency changes in a range of about 10 ^"5 to ^{10" 7,} for example about 10 ^'6. The from the

Particle beam induced frequency change may be greater than about 10 ^"6 .

According to various embodiments, it can be clearly exploited that a pulsed particle beam generates an alternating magnetic field. The one by one

Particle beam generated by accelerators (e.g., an isochronous cyclotron) may be pulsed and / or modulated at a modulation frequency (e.g., about 106 MHz or less). The charge flux (such as the current density) that varies with the modulation frequency over time can generate an alternating magnetic field. The fundamental frequency of the alternating magnetic field may be the modulation frequency. The

Modulation frequency may be in the range of the resonance frequency of MR experiments at normal magnetic field strengths (magnetic field strengths) (ie the Larmor frequency). The usual excitation pulses in the MRI, which can be generated with radio frequency coils, can reach magnetic field strengths of a few microtesla and, for example, lie in a similar range as the magnetic alternating field generated by the particle beam. The magnetic field generated by the particle beam may alternatively have a magnetic field strength which is lower than the excitation pulses in the MRI (field strengths generated by the MRI coils). Optionally, a modulation of the modulation frequency and the first magnetic field (eg locally in the area of the particle beam) can take place. Thus, a continuous MR excitation can be effected, so that eg the Signal or the signal change of the material (eg in the stationary protons, such as water protons) can be changed. Further optional modulation of the particle beam in the millisecond range, eg in synchronism with the MRT measurement, makes it possible to use this as the sole excitation. The excitation can cause an MR signal along the trajectory (beam path) of the particle beam. The MR signal produced along the beam path can be imaged.

According to various embodiments, it can be graphically exploited that a particle beam can be polarized, for example approximately 100% (can also be referred to as hyperpolarized). The particles of the particle beam (eg a therapy beam) could be used vividly (and not just their effect on the stationary material, eg tissue) to detect the particle beam. While material protons have only a magnetization of about 10 ^"5 (relative proportion of the aligned protons) at clinically usual magnetic field strengths (eg in a range from about 1.5 T to about 3 T), a particle beam can be based on the principle of the Stern-Gerlach experiment 100%, which can lead to an approximately 100,000-fold increase in signal strength compared to the stationary material, as polarization means that a very small number and density of the particles (eg protons) in the particle beam may be sufficient Because of the speed of the particles, stimulation of these within the material (eg within a patient) may be low or not at all adiabatic high-frequency excitation of the

Particle beam done. Alternatively or additionally, the polarization direction

(Polarization orientation) perpendicular to the first magnetic field (i.e., its field direction) and may be e.g. cause excitation of the particle beam within the first magnetic field (e.g., within the material). Thus, all particles of the particle beam can provide a signal which can be detected by imaging. Optionally, it can be exploited that the resonance frequency of the particle beam is shifted in accordance with the Doppler effect. Thus, the energy of the particle beam and / or the penetration depth of the particle beam into the material can be determined.

According to various embodiments, real-time coverage of the particle beam may be provided, for example for proton therapy. Alternatively or additionally, an adaptive irradiation can take place which takes into account changes, eg anatomical changes, during irradiation (eg during the therapy). According to various embodiments, an apparatus for a

Proton therapy and have an MRI imaging system. FIG. 1 illustrates a method 100 according to various embodiments in a schematic flow diagram.

According to various embodiments, the method 100 in FIG. 101 may include: generating a magnetic field in an irradiation area. In addition, the method 100 in FIG. 103 may include irradiating the irradiation area by means of a particle beam having spin-polarized particles. Further, the method 100 in FIG. 105 may include detecting an excitation of the spin-polarized particles caused by the magnetic field. Further, the method 100 in FIG. 107 may include: determining a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on the excitation.

The method may be further configured as described herein.

The method may optionally comprise 101a: ionizing the particles of the particle beam, e.g. before the irradiation. For example, ionizing by means of

Particle beam source, e.g. for a proton therapy. The proton source may be located in the center of the particle beam source (e.g., a cyclotron). The proton source may have two cathodes, each at one end of a vertical one

Hollow cylinder is arranged. Hydrogen gas can be introduced into the hollow cylinder (clearly, so that hydrogen gas flows into it). The ionization of the

Hydrogen gas can be generated by means of energetic electrons in the form of an electric

Discharge (can also be referred to as penning effect). When the particles leave the particle beam source (e.g., already accelerated), they are already ionized in that case. Alternatively or additionally, other gases may be used to form ionized particles (ions). According to various embodiments, the particle beam (e.g., for particle therapy) may include or be formed from light (e.g., lighter than a carbon ion) and / or heavy (e.g., heavier than or equal to a carbon ion) ion.

Alternatively, the particles may be electrically neutral. Then, the particle beam may comprise electrically neutral particles or be formed therefrom. The method may optionally comprise 101b: polarizing the particles of the

Particle beam, e.g. before ionizing. The method may optionally include 109: representing data representing the spatial characteristics of the particle beam.

Clearly, a polarized particle beam can be used whose particles (for example protons) contribute to the generation of the measurement signal. In other words, it is not possible exclusively to excite the protons present in the tissue for generating a measurement signal, but alternatively or additionally, an excitation of the particle beam itself can be used. Due to the polarization of the particle beam more particles in the particle beam can contribute to a measurable signal, which can partially compensate for the small number and density of the particles in the particle beam, so that their excitation itself is easier to detect, which simplifies determining the spatial characteristics of the particle beam. In short, a magnetic response field of the particles caused by the excitation of the particles can be detected.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 according to various embodiments in a schematic sequence diagram.

According to various embodiments, the method 200 in FIG. 201 may include: generating a magnetic field in an irradiation region in which a material is disposed, wherein the magnetic field defines a Larmor frequency of the material. Further, the method 200 in FIG. 203 may include: irradiating the material by means of a

Particle beam, wherein the particle beam generates a further magnetic field, which superimposes the magnetic field. Further, the method 200 in FIG. 205 may include detecting a change in the Larmor frequency caused by the additional magnetic field. Further, the method 200 may include in 207: determining a spatial

Characteristic of the particle beam based on the change. The detection of the change in the Larmor frequency can be carried out, for example, phase-sensitive.

The method 200 may be further configured as described herein. The method 200 may optionally include 201a: ionizing the particles of the

Particle beam, eg before irradiation. The method 200 may optionally include at 205a: generating a (eg, high frequency) second magnetic field (eg, a magnetic excitation field) in the

Irradiation region (e.g., by means of a magnet assembly) which is modulated to excite the Larmor frequency material.

The method 200 may optionally include at 209: representing data representing the spatial characteristics of the particle beam.

Clearly, as an alternative or in addition to a mere recognition that there is a disturbance of the Larmor precession, in addition information about the change of the Larmor frequency can be quantitatively recorded and processed. Thus, a quantitative determination of properties of the particle beam in contrast to as if only the presence of the disorder is detected. Based on the more detailed information about the particle beam, its spatial characteristics can be more easily determined, e.g. for a particle beam with low intensity. For example, an extremely small frequency change and / or phase change of the

Larmor precession (e.g., their spatial distribution in and / or per voxel) are measured (e.g., high resolution), which facilitates determining the spatial characteristics of the particle beam.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 according to various embodiments in a schematic sequence diagram.

According to various embodiments, the method 300 in FIG. 301 may include: generating a magnetic field in an irradiation region in which a material is disposed. Further, the method 300 in 303 may include: generating a

Particle beam, wherein the particle beam has a plurality of pulses whose frequency defines a frequency (pulse frequency) of the particle beam. Further, at 300, the method 300 may include: irradiating the material by means of the particle beam, wherein the

Particle beam generates another magnetic field, which superimposes the magnetic field. Further, at 300, method 300 may include modulating the particle beam with another frequency (modulation frequency) that is different from the frequency (eg, with the Larmor frequency) of the particle beam. Further, the method 300 in FIG. 309 may include detecting an excitation of the material caused by the additional magnetic field. Further, at 300, the method 300 may include: determining a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on excitation. The method 300 may be further configured as described herein.

The method 300 may optionally include 301a: ionizing the particles of the

Particle beam, e.g. before the irradiation. The ionization can be carried out, for example, as described for 101a.

The method 300 may optionally include: representing data representing the spatial characteristics of the particle beam. Optionally, a third magnetic field (e.g., a low frequency magnetic interference field) and / or a second magnetic field (e.g., a high frequency magnetic excitation field) may be generated, e.g. external, e.g. by means of a magnet arrangement.

Illustratively, for example, an excitation of the Larmor precession may be provided by means of an additional modulation frequency (e.g., a continuous amplitude modulation) of the particle beam superimposed, for example, on a pulse frequency of the particle beam. Thus, the excitation of Larmorpräzession be decoupled from the generation of the particle beam, which makes it easier to meet the prerequisite for Larmorpräzession, for example, when converting an existing system, without the limitations of the pulse frequency (by the particle beam source) and the strength of the available magnets to subject. For example, the modulation of the particle beam may be at any required frequency and may thus decouple the pulse rate from the magnetic field strength (e.g., an MRI). 4 illustrates a method 400 according to various embodiments in a schematic flowchart.

According to various embodiments, the method 400 in 401 may include: generating a magnetic field in an irradiation region in which a material is disposed, wherein the magnetic field defines a Larmor frequency of the material. Further, the method 400 in 403 may include: irradiating the material by means of a

Particle beam, wherein the particle beam generates a further magnetic field, which superimposes the magnetic field. Further, at 405, the method 400 may include: exciting the material by means of the additional magnetic field by causing the particle beam to move with the

Larmor frequency is modulated. Further, the method 400 may include 407:

Hiding the particle beam. Further, the method 400 may include in 409: detecting the excitation of the material while the particle beam is hidden. Furthermore, the Method 400 in 411 comprises: determining a spatial characteristic of the

Particle beam based on the excitation of the material.

The method 400 may be further configured as described herein.

The method 400 may optionally include 401a: ionizing the particles of the

Particle beam, e.g. before the irradiation. The ionization can be carried out, for example, as described for 101a. The method 400 may optionally include: representing data representing the spatial characteristics of the particle beam.

Optionally, a third magnetic field (e.g., a magnetic interference field) and / or another second magnetic field (e.g., a magnetic excitation field) may be generated, e.g. external, e.g. by means of a magnet arrangement.

5 illustrates a device 500 according to various embodiments in a schematic cross-sectional view or side view in a method according to various embodiments.

The device 500 may include a magnet arrangement 502, a particle beam gun 504, a sensor arrangement 508 and an evaluation unit 510.

The magnet assembly 502 may be configured to (externally) generate a magnetic field 512 in the irradiation region 501. The magnetic field 512 may be the

Completely penetrate irradiation area 501. Magnet assembly 502 may include at least two magnetic poles 502a, 502b, between which the irradiation region 501 is disposed. Each magnetic pole 502a, 502b (magnetic pole) may be or may be provided by means of one or more permanent magnets and / or by means of one or more electrical coils.

The magnet arrangement 502 may, for example, comprise at least two coils 502a, 502b, between which the irradiation area 501 is arranged. Alternatively or additionally, the magnet arrangement 502 can have at least two permanent magnet poles 502a, 502b, between which the irradiation area 501 is arranged.

The magnetic field 512 may include a magnetic flux direction 512 that extends from a first magnetic pole 502a of the magnet assembly 502 to a second magnetic pole 502a magnetic pole 502b of the magnet assembly 502 is directed. The magnetic field 512 may also be referred to as a magnet induced (permanent magnet induced) magnetic field 502.

The magnetic field 512 may be e.g. a magnetic flux direction 512, which from a first coil 502a of the magnet assembly 502 to a second coil 502b of the

Magnet assembly 502 is directed. The magnetic field 512 may also be referred to as a coil-induced magnetic field 502.

The magnetic field 512 may be a static (ie, less than about 1 Hz or not modulated) background field, a low frequency (ie, less than about 1 MHz modulated) magnetic field, and / or a high frequency (ie, modulated more than about 1 MHz) magnetic field. have magnetic excitation field. The magnetic field 512 may have a magnetic flux density greater than 0.35T. The particle beam gun 504 can be set up to irradiate the irradiation area 501 by means of a particle beam 506. The particle beam 506 may include particles having a spin polarization parallel to (e.g., in or opposite to) the direction 506p (e.g., transverse to the magnetic flow direction 512). The sensor assembly 508 may be for detecting excitation of the particles of the

Particle beam 506 to be set up. The sensor assembly 508 may include one or more coils (may also be referred to as receiver coils).

The evaluation unit 510 can be used to determine a spatial characteristic of the

Particle beam 506 based on excitation of the particles, e.g. a spin precession (e.g., around 512).

6 illustrates a device 600 according to various embodiments in a schematic cross-sectional view or side view in a method according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the irradiation area 501 may be configured to receive a material 601. The magnet assembly 502 may be configured to generate a (eg, static) magnetic field 512. The magnetic field 512 may define a Larmor frequency of the material 601. The magnetic field 512 may have a magnetic flux density greater than 0.35T. The particle beam gun 504 can be used to irradiate the material 601 by means of

Particle beam 506 to be set up. The particle beam 506 may optionally include unpolarized particles. The particle beam 506 (or its charge flux) may generate another (e.g., circular) magnetic field 612 that overlies the magnetic field 512. The additional magnetic field 612 may be a low frequency magnetic field. The further

Magnetic field 612 may include a magnetic flux direction 612 that is perpendicular to the particle beam 506 (or irradiation direction 506r). The additional magnetic field can also be referred to as a beam-induced magnetic field 612. The magnetic field 512 and the further magnetic field 612 can overlap one another so that their magnetic flux lines add up (vectorially). The resulting magnetic flux density clearly deviates from the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field 512. The deviation may increase with decreasing distance (e.g., perpendicular) to the particle beam 506 (e.g., measured perpendicular to the particle beam 506). Clearly, the deviation can be understood as a magnetic fingerprint, which represents the course of the particle beam 506.

Due to the deviation from the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field 512 in the vicinity of the particle beam 506, the Larmor frequency of the material 601 may change there.

The sensor array 508 may be configured to have a spatial distribution of

Larmorfrequenz of the material 601 to capture. Based on the spatial distribution of the Larmor frequency of the material 601, the course of the particle beam 506 can be determined. For example, the position of a deviation in the Larmor frequency represent the course of the particle beam 506.

Optionally, the particle beam 506 may comprise spin-polarized particles, so that their excitation can additionally be detected.

The magnetic field 512 may be a static (i.e., less than about 1 Hz or not-modulated) background field. Optionally, a low frequency (i.e., less than about 1 MHz modulated) magnetic interference field and / or a high frequency (i.e., more than about 1 MHz modulated) magnetic excitation field in the

Irradiation region 501 are generated, for example by means of the magnet assembly 502nd 7 illustrates a device 700 according to various embodiments in a schematic cross-sectional view or side view in a method according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the particle beam gun 504 may be configured to generate a particle beam 506 having multiple pulses. The frequency of the plurality of pulses may define a frequency (pulse frequency) of the particle beam 506. For example, the particle beam 506 may be pulsed at the frequency. The particle beam 506 may generate the additional magnetic field 612 that overlies the magnetic field 512.

Further, the apparatus 700 may include a beam modulation assembly 704 which is adapted to modulate the particle beam 506 at a further frequency, e.g. of the

Larmor frequency, is set up. The beam modulation assembly 704 may be part of the particle beam gun 504. Alternatively, the beam modulation assembly 704 may be provided in addition to the particle beam gun 504.

The further frequency may be different from the frequency of the particle beam.

The sensor assembly 508 may be configured to detect excitation of the material caused by the further magnetic field 612. The evaluation unit 510 can be set up to determine a spatial characteristic of the particle beam 506 on the basis of the excitation.

According to various embodiments, the particle beam gun 504 may include

Cyclotron which generates a frequency-pulsed particle beam 506.

Alternatively, the particle beam gun 504 may include a cyclotron that generates a continuous particle beam 506. In that case, the particle beam gun 504 may have a beam blanking arrangement which is adapted to

continuous particle beam 506 with the frequency (can then also as

Blanking frequency) of the particle beam. The

Strahlausblende arrangement can, for example by means of

Beam modulation arrangement may be provided. The magnetic field 512 may be a static (ie less than about 1 Hz or not modulated) background field. Optionally, a low frequency (ie, less than about 1 MHz modulated) magnetic field and / or a high frequency (ie more than about 1 MHz modulated) magnetic field in the

Irradiation area 501 are generated, e.g. by means of the magnet arrangement 502.

8 illustrates a device 800 according to various embodiments in a schematic cross-sectional view or side view in a method according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the particle beam gun 504 may generate a modulated particle beam 506, e.g. modulated with the Larmor frequency.

For example, the particle beam gun 504 may include a cyclotron that generates a pulsed particle beam 506, e.g. pulsed with the Larmor frequency. Then, the particle beam 506 may be modulated by pulses.

Alternatively, the particle beam gun 504 may include a cyclotron that generates a continuous particle beam 506. In the case and when the cyclotron generates a particle beam 506 which is different from the Larmor frequency

Frequency pulsed, the particle beam gun 504 may have a beam modulation arrangement which is adapted to modulate the particle beam 506.

For example, a continuous particle beam 506 may be modulated, e.g.

amplitude modulated. In other words, the particle beam 506 may be continuous and modulated, e.g. amplitude modulated.

If the cyclotron generates a continuous or a particle beam 506 pulsed at a frequency different from the Larmor frequency, the

Beam modulation arrangement include the Strahlausblende arrangement 804, by means of which the particle beam 506 to be pulsed or modulated for modulation. Alternatively or additionally, the beam blanking arrangement 804 may be used to hide the

Particle beam 506, e.g. with a frequency smaller than that

Larmor frequency.

The sensor assembly 508 may be configured to detect an excitation of the material 601 caused by the further magnetic field 612. The device 800 may optionally include a controller 810 configured to control and / or regulate the beam blanking assembly 804 and the sensor assembly 508. The controller 810 may control and / or regulate the beam blanking arrangement 804 and the sensor arrangement 508 such that the sensor arrangement 508 detects the excitation while the particle beam 506 is hidden.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 according to various embodiments in a schematic sequence diagram.

According to various embodiments, a set of first image data 902 may be generated, e.g. based on the excitation of the polarized particles and / or on

The basis of the excitation of the material 601. The first image data 902 may represent the spatial characteristic of the particle beam 506, e.g. its trajectory and / or spatial intensity distribution.

According to various embodiments, a set of second image data 904 may be generated, e.g. based on the suggestion of material 601 on the basis of a

Sound reflection of material 601 (e.g., ultrasonic reflection) and / or based on radiation transmission of material 601 (e.g., X-ray transmission). The radiation transmission can be determined, for example, by means of radiography and / or sonography. The second image data 904 may represent the spatial characteristic of the material 601.

The method 900 may include overlaying the first image data 902 and the second image data 904 901, e.g. for correlating the spatial characteristics of the

Particle beam 506 and the spatial characteristic of the material 601. Alternatively or additionally, the method 900 may include 903 identifying a target area 904z based on, for example, the spatial characteristic of the material 601. For example, the target area 904z may be based on a given spatial Characteristics are determined 903 (eg descriptive of the signature of an organ and / or diseased tissue). Then, the second image data 904 may alternatively or additionally represent the target area 904z. The method 900 may include superimposing the first image data 902 and the second image data 904 901, for example, to correlate the spatial characteristics of the image

Particle beam 506 and the spatial characteristics of the target area 904z.

According to various embodiments, the evaluation unit 510 (cf., for example, FIG. 5) may be configured to carry out the method 900.

10 illustrates a method 1000 according to various embodiments in a schematic flowchart. According to various embodiments, the method may include 1000

Based on the spatial characteristic of the material 601 to determine a target irradiation dose 1015, e.g. their spatial and / or temporal distribution. The target irradiation dose 1015 may define a dose (e.g., a dose energy, i.e., energy per unit mass [e.g., in joules per kilogram] or, e.g., a particulate dose, i.e., particles per unit mass) deposited by the particles, i. delivered to the material 601 is. For example, a spatial distribution of the target irradiation dose 1015 may be determined based on the target area 904z and / or the spatial characteristic of the material 601. The target area 904z may

for example, to represent diseased tissue, e.g. a malignant brain tumor.

Within the target area 904z, the target irradiation distribution 1005 may be the target irradiation dose 1015, and outside the target area 904z, the target irradiation distribution 1005 may be zero (schematically illustrated in a schematic diagram 1005, 1001 along a section xl-x2 by the target area 904z). ,

If the spatial characteristic of the particle beam 506 and / or the spatial characteristic of the material 601 (eg its temporal and / or spatial fluctuation) are not sufficiently considered for irradiation according to the target irradiation dose 1015, a first irradiation dose 1002 can be effected by irradiating the material 601 , which is illustrated schematically greatly exaggerated in A. Clearly, the first irradiation dose 1002 may be imprecise, ie have a high deviation from the target irradiation dose 1015. According to various embodiments, the material 601 may be irradiated, eg, controlled and / or controlled based on the spatial characteristic of the particle beam 506 and / or the spatial characteristic of the material 601, eg, according to the target irradiation dose 1015, which is schematically illustrated in FIG. In other words, the particle beam 506 can be guided, eg by means of the beam guidance unit, so that its Bragg peak lies within the target area 904z. A second irradiation dose 1004 caused thereby can be greater than the first irradiation dose 1002, eg

at least in the target area 904z. Alternatively or additionally, the second

Radiation dose 1004 is less than the first radiation dose 1002, e.g. at least outside the target area 904z. As a result, the material 601 surrounding the target area 904z can be spared.

In the case of particle beam therapy in medicine, it can be difficult to relocate the patient. In that case, it may be easier and more precise to control and / or regulate the particle beam. Optionally, controlling and / or regulating a patient's position, e.g. individual body parts, done.

If (for example for technological processing) other materials (e.g.

non-living materials), e.g. a technological material, alternatively or in addition to the particle beam, a spatial location (e.g., orientation and / or position) of the material may be controlled and / or controlled. For example, this can compensate for a thermal expansion of the material during irradiation. Illustratively, a minimally invasive tumor therapy using a particle beam 506

(e.g., protons or heavy ions). This may illustratively have a much higher depth controllability and specificity of the dose application than conventional radiotherapy (e.g., high energy photons) due to the physical properties of the fast particle energy transfer, particularly to electrons of the material 601. In radiotherapy, in addition to accurately planning the targeted dose distribution (spatial distribution of the target radiation dose 1015, may also be referred to as the target radiation distribution), in the target area 904z, the accuracy of it during irradiation execution may be increased, e.g. for the success of therapy and the protection of healthy tissue.

In particular, a susceptibility of the proton therapy caused

Dose distribution for density changes along the trajectory of the particle beam 506 (ie along the beam path) are reduced, ie a deviation of the actual Dose distribution from a target dose distribution (also referred to as target dose distribution) can be reduced. The density changes, for example, by

anatomical variations such as Organ movement and / or respiration are caused.

According to various embodiments, the second image data 904 may represent the target irradiation dose 1015 and / or the effected irradiation dose 1004. For example, the target irradiation dose 1015 (illustratively the target irradiation dose 1015) and / or the irradiation dose 1004 (clearly the irradiation dose actually deposited 1004) can be mapped.

According to various embodiments, a combination of minimally invasive proton therapy may or may not be provided with real time image guidance and / or monitoring. For this purpose, the controlling and / or regulating can take place on the basis of the image data (the first image data 902 and / or the second image data 904). Clearly, a minimally invasive image-guided radiation therapy can be or will be provided.

Fig.11 illustrates an irradiation distribution according to various

Embodiments are shown in a schematic diagram 1100. In diagram 1100, the relative irradiation dose 1103 (normalized to a maximum of the irradiation dose) is shown above the penetration depth 1101 (i.e., the distance traveled in the material) of the particle beam.

According to various embodiments, one of the methods described herein may include the induced irradiation distribution (spatial distribution of the

Irradiation dose) and / or to regulate, e.g. based on the spatial characteristics of the particle beam 506 and / or the spatial characteristics of the material 601. In contrast to conventional x-ray radiation 1102, a particle beam 1104, e.g. a proton beam having a steep distal dose gradient at the so-called Bragg peak 1104p. The Bragg peak 1104p can be the maximum in the

Designate irradiation distribution. According to various embodiments, the particle beam 1104, e.g. its Bragg peak 1104p and / or its transverse extent (extension transverse to

Beam path, eg diameter in the case of a round cross-section of the particle beam 1104) and / or regulated (eg collimated, ie provided by means of collimation and / or regulated), for example by means of the beam guiding arrangement and / or by means of a Nozzle. For example, the particle beam 1104 may have a transverse dimension (eg, diameter) less than about 2 cm (centimeters), eg, less than about 1 cm (a so-called pencil beam or "pencil beam"), eg, in a range of about 9 mm (millimeters) Alternatively or additionally, the half width (corresponding to a spatial extent) of the Bragg peak 1104p may be set and / or regulated (eg by collimation)., for example, the half width of the Bragg peak 1104p may be smaller It may be less than about 2 cm (eg, less than about 1 cm), eg, in a range from about 0.1 cm to about 2 cm, eg, about 1 cm, as an alternative or in addition to the half-width and / or Transverse extent, the penetration depth of the particle beam 1104 can be set and / or regulated (eg, by attenuation), for example, regardless of its half-width and / or its transverse extent Fe of the particle beam 1104 may be in a range of about 1 mm to about 1 m, for example in a range of about 1 cm to about 0.5 m, for example in a range of about 4 cm to about 38 cm. The more the material absorbs the particle beam and / or the smaller the particle energy of the particle beam 1104, the smaller the penetration depth of the particle beam into the material can be. The particle energy of the particle beam 1104 may range from about 50 MeV (megaelectronvolt) to about 500 MeV, eg, in a range from about 70 MeV to about 230 MeV.

The half width of the Bragg peak 1104p may be on a smaller scale than the penetration depth (even with highly absorbent materials). The half-width of the Bragg peak 1104p may be less than the maximum penetration depth 1104e (e.g., about 50% of this, e.g., about 25% of it) of the particle beam (may also be referred to as the particle beam's range 1104e).

According to various embodiments, the spatial characteristic of the

Particle beam 506 (e.g., a spatial position of Bragg peak 1104p) may be controlled and / or controlled based on the spatial characteristics of material 601 (e.g., target area 904z). For example, the irradiation by means of the particle beam can be controlled and / or regulated in such a way that the maximum 1104p of the

Irradiation distribution (the Bragg peak 1104p) is located within the target area 904z. According to various embodiments, a plurality of particle beams (eg temporally one after the other or simultaneously) can be superimposed on one another, wherein the plurality of particle beams differ from one another in at least their spatial characteristics. The superimposed multiple particle beams may cause a homogeneously distributed dose of radiation 1106 in the target area 904z. Illustratively, the

Bragg peaks 1104p of the multiple particle beams are superimposed to a broad maximum (may also be referred to as a spread-out Bragg peak). Alternatively or additionally, the spatial characteristic of a particle beam (e.g., the plurality of particle beams or just one particle beam) may be controlled and / or controlled such that the target area 904z is scanned by the Bragg peak 1104p of the particle beam.

According to various embodiments, the spatial characteristic of the material may represent location- and / or time-resolved properties of the material. Clearly, changing anatomical conditions during the irradiation of the material with the particle beam can be taken into account. According to various embodiments, the range 1104e of the particle beam (e.g., proton beam) may be controlled and / or controlled. According to various embodiments, a spatial distribution of the irradiation dose caused may be determined, e.g. based on the spatial characteristics of the particle beam. Clearly, the effected (applied) dose distribution can be determined. In this case, the controlling and / or regulating of the irradiation can alternatively or additionally take place on the basis of the spatial distribution of the irradiation dose caused.

FIG. 12 illustrates a particle beam gun 504 according to various

Embodiments in a schematic cross-sectional view or side view.

The particle beam gun 504 may include a particle beam source 1202, e.g. an accelerator particle beam source such as a cyclotron. The particle beam source 1202 may be a particle source, e.g. a proton source adapted to provide free particles. Optionally, the particle beam source 1202 may include a

Beam bundler, which bundles the free protons into a beam 506 (particle beam 506). For example, the beamformer may generate an electric field and / or a magnetic field that concentrates (ie, collimates) the particles into a beam. Further, the particle beam gun 504 may include a beam guide assembly 1204 that guides the particle beam 506 along a predefined path 1204p, eg, based on beam guidance parameters. For example, the beam guide assembly 1204 may generate an electric field and / or a magnetic field to guide the particle beam 506.

Optionally, the particle beam gun 504 may include a beam modulation assembly 1206 configured to modulate the particle beam 506, e.g.

continuous or discreet.

The beam modulation assembly 1206 may be configured to scan the particle beam 506, e.g. an energy (e.g., an electrical energy and / or a particle energy), a

Current intensity (e.g., an electrical current and / or a particle current intensity) and / or a fluence of the particle beam 506, e.g. based on

Mitigation parameters. The particle energy (kinetic energy) of the particle beam may or may not be defined by the velocity of the particles of the particle beam.

The particle energy can define the penetration depth of the particle beam into a material.

In other words, the beam modulation device 1206 may be configured, which

To change the penetration depth of the particle beam. Alternatively or additionally, the

Beam modulation arrangement 1206 be configured to hide the particle beam 506

(i.e., to interrupt), e.g. based on irradiation duration parameters and / or while excitation of the material is detected.

To attenuate the particle beam 506, the beam modulation assembly 1206 may include a beam attenuation arrangement 1206a. Alternatively or additionally, the beam modulation arrangement 1206 may be used to hide the particle beam 506

Beam blanking arrangement 1206b have.

The attenuation parameters, the beam guidance parameters, and / or the

Irradiation period parameters may be or may be provided by the evaluation unit 510.

Alternatively to the arrangement illustrated in FIG

Beam modulation arrangement 1206 between the particle beam source 1202 and the

Beam guiding arrangement 1204 to be connected. According to various embodiments, the particle beam source 1202 may include a

Have ion source. By means of the ion source an electric field can be generated which ionizes a gas (e.g., separates hydrogen molecules into electrons and protons), e.g. by means of a plasma. The ionization of the gas (e.g., hydrogen) may occur at the center of the particle beam source 1202. The particle beam source 1202 may be two

Electromagnets, between which a vacuum area (can also as

Acceleration gap to be called) is arranged. In the vacuum range, a vacuum (eg, less than about 10 ^"6 millibars ie, less than 0.3 bar, for example less than about 1 millibar) can by means of a pump assembly may be provided or.

According to various embodiments, individual atoms and / or ions may be released from the gas, e.g. by means of a dissociation unit. For example, in the vacuum, protons released from the gas can be accelerated, e.g. by means of another electric field between the two electromagnets.

FIG. 13 illustrates a device 1300 according to various embodiments in a schematic perspective view in a method according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the particle beam source 1202 may be spatially separated from the irradiation region 501, e.g. separated by a wall (e.g., a building wall). The beam guiding assembly 1204 may include a plurality of beam guiding units 1204e that define a path 1204p (illustratively the beam path) along which the particle beam is guided. Each beam guiding unit 1204e may include one or more magnets (e.g., dipole magnets and / or quadrupole magnets) (for generating a magnetic field in the beam path).

Beam guide assembly 1204 may include a vacuum system (e.g., one or more tubes) within which path 1204p extends. Beam guide assembly 1204 may be configured to create a vacuum in the vacuum system. The one or more magnets may be provided by means of electrical coils (may also be referred to as electromagnets) (so-called

Deflection coils). The device 1300 may optionally include an irradiation chamber 1204k in which the irradiation region 501 is disposed. The beam guiding arrangement 1204 can furthermore have a jet outlet opening (can also be referred to as nozzle), from which the particle jet into the

Irradiation area 501 occurs. The jet outlet opening may be formed, for example, by means of a vacuum-tight window, e.g. plastic (e.g. Kapton).

The beam guiding arrangement 1204 can be set up such that the position

(Alignment and / or position) of the jet exit opening relative to the

Irradiation area 501 can be changed, e.g. controlled and / or regulated. Thus, the spatial characteristics of the particle beam, e.g. a direction from which the particle beam enters the irradiation area 501 and / or a position at which the particle beam enters the irradiation area 501 may be adjusted.

For example, the irradiation chamber 1204k may be rotatably mounted.

The beam guiding assembly 1204 may optionally, e.g. at the beam exit opening, have a Strahldefokussieremheit which is set up to defocus the particle beam. Clearly, the particle beam can be widened by means of the beam-defocusing unit before it enters the irradiation area 501.

Illustratively, the particle beam along the beam path may have a diameter (e.g., less than 10 millimeters) which is too small to accommodate a larger one

Target area 904z to be irradiated area-wide. By means of the beam defocusing unit, the diameter of the particle beam can be increased, e.g. based on a spatial extent of the target area 904z. The Strahldefokussieremheit may comprise one or more films through which the particle beam is passed.

Optionally, the Strahldefokussieremheit have a diaphragm arrangement which limits a beam cross-section of the particle beam. By means of the diaphragm arrangement, the shape of the beam cross-section and / or its cross-sectional area can be adjusted, e.g. based on a spatial extent of the target area 904z.

Alternatively or additionally, a scanning by means of the particle beam can be carried out for widening the particle beam. For this purpose, the particle beam by means of an electromagnetic Field are distracted. Clearly, the particle beam can scan the target area 904z line by line and / or layer by layer. At which penetration depth (range) the particle beam emits its energy to the material can be controlled and / or regulated by means of the speed of the particles. The greater the speed (ie kinetic energy) of the particles, the greater the range of the particle beam.

According to various embodiments, image data representing the irradiation (e.g., temporally and / or spatially) by means of the particle beam, e.g. the induced irradiation distribution. Alternatively or additionally, the spatial characteristic of the particle beam emerging from the jet outlet opening can be compared with the predefined target irradiation distribution.

Illustratively, real-time imaging of the irradiated volume (e.g., at a position of a tumor) may or may not be provided, for adaptive irradiation, and more particularly, direct measurement of the proton beam in the material. This can be a

Real-time range verification and, consequently, be provided with adaptive radiation.

Fig. 14 illustrates a particle beam source 1202 according to various

Embodiments in a schematic cross-sectional view or side view.

The particle beam source 1202 may include a particle source 1404. Further, the particle beam source 1202 may include a polarizer 1402. The polarizer 1402 may be configured to polarize the particle beam 506 emitted by the particle source 1404. The particle beam 506 emitted by the particle source 1404 may include charged particles (e.g., protons or ions) or uncharged particles (e.g., atoms). In other words, the particle source 1404 may be an ion source, a proton source or an atom source. According to various embodiments, the polarizer 1402 may split off a first particle beam 506a and / or a second particle beam 506b from the emitted particle beam 506.

The first particle beam 506a and / or the second particle beam 506b can have a greater polarization than the particle beam 506 emitted by the particle beam source 1202. The first particle beam 506a and the second particle beam 506b can differ in their polarization, for example in their polarization direction. Exactly two particle beams 506a, 506b can be formed on particles having a spin ^I A. For particles which have a higher spin than Spin ^l A, more than two can be used

Particle beams 506a, 506b are formed. The polarizer 1402 may be configured to generate a magnetic field 1402m through which the particle beam 506 passes. The magnetic field 1402m can be set up, for example, the particle beam 506 into the first particle beam 506a and the second particle beam 506b (illustratively two separate partial beams).

split. The magnetic field 1402m may include a gradient (e.g., in magnetic flux density) that is oriented transversely to the particle beam 506.

For generating the magnetic field 1402m, the polarizer 1402 may have a first

magnetic pole 1402a and a second magnetic pole 1402b, between which the magnetic field 1402m is formed. Optionally, the polarizer 1402 may have more than two magnetic poles, e.g. four or six. For example, the polarizer may have a six-pole magnet. The particle beam 506 can also be split into more than two partial beams.

According to various embodiments, the first particle beam 506a and / or the second particle beam 506b may be guided into the irradiation area. In other words, the first particle beam 506a and / or the second particle beam 506b may be used for irradiation.

According to various embodiments, the first particle beam 506a and / or the second particle beam 506b may be hyperpolarized.

For example, by means of the particle source 1404 (e.g., an atomic source), a plurality of atoms may or may not be provided as a neutral (uncharged) particle beam 506 (i.e., atomic beam 506). The atom beam 506 may be split by means of the polarizer 1402 into at least two atom beams 506a, 506b which differ in their polarization (i.e., they have polarized atoms). By means of an ionizing unit 1406, the polarized atoms (e.g., the first atomic beam 506a and / or the second atomic beam 506b) may be ionized. In other words, a charged (e.g.

polarized) first particle beam 506a and / or a charged (eg polarized) second particle beam 506a may be provided. If a hydrogen gas is used as the atomic source, it is possible to provide (eg polarized) protons by ionizing the atoms. Alternatively, a gas other than hydrogen gas may be used as the atom source. Then, by ionizing the atoms (eg, polarized) ions can be provided.

To increase the efficiency, the particles can be cooled by means of a cryostat chamber, e.g. before polarizing by means of the polarizer 1402.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method 1500 according to various embodiments in a schematic flow diagram.

According to various embodiments, the method 1500 may include in 1501: generating a magnetic field in an irradiation region in which a material is disposed, wherein the magnetic field defines a Larmor frequency of the material. Furthermore, the method 1500 may include in 1503: generating a particle beam, the particle beam having a plurality of pulses whose frequency defines a frequency (pulse frequency) of the particle beam other than the Larmor frequency. Furthermore, the method 1500 may include 1505: irradiating the material by means of the particle beam, wherein the particle beam generates a further magnetic field which superimposes the magnetic field. Further, the method 1500 may include 1507: modulating the

Particle beam with the Larmor frequency. Further, the method 1500 may include 1509: detecting excitation of the material caused by the additional magnetic field. Further, the method 1500 may include in 1511: determining a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on the excitation.

The method may be further configured as described herein.

The method may optionally include ionizing the particles of the particle beam, e.g. before the irradiation.

The method may optionally include: representing data representing the spatial characteristics of the particle beam.

Optionally, a third magnetic field (eg a low-frequency magnetic interference field) and / or a second magnetic field (eg a high-frequency magnetic excitation field) can be generated, eg externally, eg by means of a magnet arrangement. 16 illustrates a method 1600 according to various embodiments in a schematic flow diagram.

The basis of the excitation of the material 601. The first image data 902 may represent the spatial characteristic of the particle beam 506, e.g. its trajectory and / or spatial intensity distribution. The set of first image data 902 may comprise a plurality of first image data which differ from each other in at least one spatial dimension 1603 and / or at least one temporal dimension 1603.

According to various embodiments, a set of second image data 904 may be generated. The second image data 904 may represent the spatial characteristic of the material 601. The set of second image data 904 may include a plurality of second image data that differ from each other in at least one spatial dimension 1603 and / or at least one temporal dimension 1603.

For example, the image data of the set of first image data 902 and / or the set of second image data 904 may represent a time history, e.g. each time can be assigned to the image data. Alternatively or additionally, the image data may represent a spatial course, e.g. the image data can each be assigned a position in space. For example, the image data may represent a cross section through the irradiation area 501. The dimensions 1601, 1605 of the first image data and the second image data may be equal in pairs. In other words, the image data of the set of first image data 902 may be assigned image data of the set of second image data 904, e.g. according to the dimensions 1601, 1605.

The image data may each represent a spatial first dimension 1601 and a spatial second dimension 1605. For example, the spatial first dimension 1601 and the spatial second dimension 1605 may be two directions in spatial space, which may be e.g. span a surface (along which the cross-section runs). The image data may represent a third dimension, which may be a spatial third dimension (e.g., a third direction in spatial space, illustratively a depth) or a temporal third dimension (e.g., a time).

According to various embodiments, the first set of image data 902 and / or the second set of image data 904 may represent three-dimensional information. For example, the image data of the first set of image data 902 and / or the second set of image data 904 may each represent two-dimensional information.

The method 1600 may include overlaying the first image data 902 and the second image data 904 901, e.g. for correlating the spatial characteristics of the

Particle beam 506 and the spatial characteristics of the material 601. The superimposing can take place taking into account the dimensions of the first image data and the second image data. Illustratively, the image data, which in their

Dimensions 1601, 1605 coincide with each other.

According to various embodiments, the evaluation unit 510 may be configured to perform the method 1600.

FIG. 17 illustrates a method 1700 according to various embodiments in a schematic flowchart.

According to various embodiments, the image data, e.g. the first image data, the second image data, and / or their overlay are displayed 1701 by a display 1702 (e.g., a monitor). In other words, the display 1702 may be for

Display 1701 of the image data to be established.

According to various embodiments, the evaluation unit 510 may be configured to perform the method 1700. The display 1702 may be, for example, a

Have or be formed of liquid crystal display or a light emitting diode display.

According to various embodiments, the excitation of the particles may be a

Represent spin resonance of the particles.

According to various embodiments, the excitation of the material may be a

Represent nuclear magnetic resonance of the material.

Illustratively, a method described herein for performing a

Magnetic resonance imaging (may also be referred to as magnetic resonance imaging) be set up. According to various embodiments, information about its microstructure and function (eg a blood circulation) can be determined and / or displayed in addition to a position and shape of the material (eg of organs). According to various embodiments, a real-time magnetic resonance tomography may be performed, eg for the determination and / or cinematic presentation of moving joints or organs (for example of a heart).

According to various embodiments, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) may be performed, e.g. for detecting and / or representing vessels.

According to various embodiments, a functional

Magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI or fMRI), e.g. for determining and / or presenting functions of the brain.

According to various embodiments, perfusion MRI may be performed, e.g. for determining and / or presenting tissue perfusion.

According to various embodiments, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may be performed, e.g. for determining and / or presenting a virtual reconstruction of nerve fiber connections.

According to various embodiments, the static magnetic field may be generated by means of one or more permanent magnets and / or by means of one or more electromagnets, e.g. for magnetic flux densities up to 0.5 Tesla (T). For generating larger magnetic flux densities, e.g. superconducting solenoids are used.

According to various embodiments, the atomic nuclei in the examined material (eg tissue) may be referred to as a magnetic field (may also be referred to as a first magnetic field or background field) and a high frequency magnetic field (may also be referred to as a magnetic excitation field, eg the second magnetic field and / or the further magnetic field) are excited, eg

phase synchronous. By the excitation, a measurable emission in the form of an alternating magnetic field (can also be referred to as a magnetic response field) are generated, which, for example, lasts until the excitation has subsided. The stimulus can be a Larmor precession. Both to stimulate the material as well as to Detecting the emission, a resonance condition may or may not be satisfied. Due to the resonance condition, an inhomogeneous (eg static or

Low frequency magnetic field (can also be referred to as a third magnetic field or magnetic interference field), the location of the precessing atomic nuclei are determined.

According to various embodiments, the spin-polarized particles (e.g., protons) may be excited by a magnetic field, e.g. phase synchronous. By the excitation, a measurable emission in the form of an alternating magnetic field can be generated, which e.g. lasts until the suggestion has subsided. The excitation may be a spin precession of the particles (and may be analogous to the Larmor precession). Both for exciting the particles and for detecting the emission, a resonance condition may or may not be met. Due to the resonance condition, the location of the precessing particles can be determined by means of an inhomogeneous (e.g., static or low frequency) magnetic field (may also be referred to as the third magnetic field or magnetic interference field).

Some atomic nuclei (such as the hydrogen nuclei) of the material, e.g. in whose

Molecules, and / or the particles may have an intrinsic angular momentum (may also be referred to as spin), i. be magnetic. An interaction of the spin with the static magnetic field can cause a longitudinal magnetization (i.e., along the field direction of the magnetic field). Optionally, an additional magnetic (e.g., high frequency) alternating field (magnetic excitation field) may deflect (flip) the spin along the field direction of the magnetic field. Interaction of the spin with the alternating magnetic field may cause at least partial (partial or complete) transverse magnetization (i.e., transverse to the field direction of the magnetic field). The alternating magnetic field, for example, a frequency in

Radiofrequency range have.

The transverse magnetization can precess around the field direction of the magnetic field (Larmor precession), i. the magnetization direction can rotate. These

Precession movement of the magnetization can in the sensor arrangement (eg the coil) induce an electrical voltage, which can be detected. The amplitude of the electrical voltage can be proportional to the transverse magnetization. After switching off the alternating magnetic field, the transverse magnetization can decrease, ie the spins align themselves again parallel to the static magnetic field. This so-called relaxation can define a characteristic relaxation time. The Relaxation time may allow conclusions to be drawn about chemical compounds and / or the molecular environment in which the precessing spin is located.

According to various embodiments, the magnetic excitation field may be generated by means of a modulated particle beam. In that case, the particle beam can excite a Larmor precession of the material (clearly only in the environment of the

Particle beam), which can be detected. Based on the spatial distribution of the Larmor precession of the material, the spatial characteristics of the particle beam can be determined. Clearly, the material emits only in the environment of

Particle beam.

Alternatively or additionally, the static magnetic field can be superimposed with a magnetic interference field, which can be generated by means of the particle beam. Furthermore, an externally generated excitation field can excite a Larmor precession of the material.

Clearly, in the vicinity of the particle beam, the Larmor precession of the material is disturbed by the magnetic interference field. Based on the spatial distribution of the disorder of the Larmorpräzession the material, the spatial characteristics of the particle beam can be determined. Clearly, the Larmor precession of the material is disturbed only in the vicinity of the particle beam.

Alternatively or additionally, a spin-polarized particle beam can be excited and its emission can be detected. Clearly, only along the particle beam can a corresponding magnetic response field of the particles be formed.

Claims

claims

A method (100), comprising:

Generating (101) a magnetic field in an irradiation area;

Irradiating (103) the irradiation area by means of a particle beam having spin-polarized particles;

Detecting (105) excitation of the spin-polarized particles caused by the magnetic field; and

• determining (107) a spatial characteristic of the particle beam

Basis of the suggestion.

2. Method (200), comprising:

Generating (201) a magnetic field in an irradiation area in which a material is arranged, the magnetic field defining a Larmor frequency of the material;

Irradiating (203) the material by means of a particle beam, wherein the

Particle beam generates a further magnetic field which superimposes the magnetic field;

Detecting (205) a change in the Larmor frequency caused by the further magnetic field; and

• determining (207) a spatial characteristic of the particle beam

Basis of change.

3. Method (1500), comprising:

Generating (1501) a magnetic field in an irradiation region in which a material is disposed, the magnetic field defining a Larmor frequency of the material;

Generating (1503) a particle beam, the particle beam having a plurality of pulses whose frequency defines a frequency of the particle beam other than the Larmor frequency;

Irradiating (1505) the material by means of the particle beam, wherein the

Modulating (1507) the particle beam at the Larmor frequency;

Detecting (1509) excitation of the material caused by the further magnetic field; and • determining (1511) a spatial characteristic of the particle beam based on the excitation.

Method (1500) according to claim 3,

wherein the frequency is a rotational frequency at which the particle beam is generated.

Method (1500) according to claim 3,

wherein generating the particle beam comprises fading the particle beam to form the plurality of pulses at the frequency, and

wherein the masking of the particle beam and the detection of the excitation take place alternately.

Method (1500) according to one of claims 3 to 5,

wherein modulating comprises an amplitude of the particle beam with the

Larmor frequency to vary.

Method (100, 200, 1500) according to one of claims 1 to 6,

wherein the spatial characteristics of the particle beam a spatial

Energy distribution of the particle beam represents.

Method (100, 200, 1500) according to claim 7,

wherein detecting the excitation comprises detecting a Doppler effect of the particle beam, and

wherein the spatial energy distribution of the particle beam is determined based on the Doppler effect.

A method (100, 200, 1500) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: determining a spatial characteristic of the material used in the

Irradiation range is arranged.

The method (100, 200, 1500) of claim 9, further comprising:

Identifying a target area of the material to be irradiated by the particle beam based on the spatial characteristic of the material; and

Irradiating the target area by means of the particle beam.

The method (100, 200, 1500) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:

Generating a set of first image data representing the spatial characteristic of the particle beam, and

Generating a set of second image data which is a spatial

12. The method (100, 200, 1500) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further

comprising:

Controlling and / or controlling the particle beam based on the spatial

Characteristic of the particle beam; and or

Taxes and / or rules of material based on the spatial

Characteristic of the particle beam.

13. Method (100, 200, 1500) according to one of claims 1 to 12,

wherein the determination of the spatial characteristics of the particle beam in real time.

14. Device comprising:

• an irradiation area;

A magnet arrangement for generating a magnetic field in the

Irradiation region;

A particle beam gun, which is set up to irradiate the irradiation area by means of a particle beam;

A sensor arrangement which is used to detect an excitation in the

Irradiation area is set up;

An evaluation unit which is set up to determine a spatial characteristic of the particle beam on the basis of the excitation; and

A control, which is arranged for controlling and / or regulating the magnet arrangement, the particle beam gun, the sensor arrangement and / or the evaluation unit according to one of claims 1 to 13.