562 results about "Cyclotron" patented technology

The present inventions is related to a superconducting or non-superconducting isochronous sector-focused cyclotron, comprising an electromagnet with an upper pole and a lower pole that constitute the magnetic circuit, the poles being made of at least three pair of sectors (3,4) called "hills" where the vertical gap between said sectors is small, these hill-sectors being separated by sector-formed spaces called "valleys" (5) where the vertical gap is large, said cyclotron being energized by at least one pair of main coils (6), characterised in that at least one pair of upper and lower hills is significantly longer than the remaining pair of hill sectors in order to have at least one pair of extended hill sectors (3) and at least one pair of non-extended hill sectors (4) in that a groove (7) or a "plateau" (7') which follows the shape of the extracted orbit is present in said pair of extended hill sectors (3) in order to produce a dip (200) in the magnetic field.

The invention concerns a device (10) for regulating the intensity of a beam extracted from a particle accelerator, such as a cyclotron, used for example for protontherapy, said particles being generated from an ion source. The invention is characterized in that it comprises at least: a comparator (90) determining a difference ε between a digital signal IR representing the intensity of the beam measured at the output of the accelerator and a setpoint value IC of the beam intensity: a Smith predictor (80) which determines on the basis of the difference ε, a correct value of the intensity of the beam IP; an inverted correspondence table (40) supplying, on the basis of the corrected value of the intensity of the beam IP, a setpoint value IA for supply arc current from the ion source (20).

The invention relates to a cyclotron which can produce a beam of accelerated charged particles that are intended for the irradiation of at least one target (200). The inventive cyclotron consists of a magnetic circuit which essentially comprises: an electromagnet with at least two poles (1, 1′), namely an upper pole (1) and a lower pole (1′), which are disposed symmetrically in relation to a mid-plane (110) which is perpendicular to the central axis (100) of the cyclotron and which are separated by a gap (120) containing the circulating charged particles and return flux (2) in order to close the aforementioned magnetic circuit; and a pair of main induction coils (5, 5′) which are used to create an essentially-constant main induction field in the gap between poles 1 and 1′. The invention is characterised in that it comprises means of centring the above-mentioned beam, consisting of at least one pair of bucking coils (6, 7) which are supplied by an electrical source (8) and which can modulate the intensity of the main induction field produced by the main coils (5, 5′), in order to increase the intensity of the induction field in a first area of the cyclotron and to reduce the intensity of the induction field in a second area of the cyclotron, which is diametrically opposed to the central axis (100) of the cyclotron.

The invention relates to a cyclotron which can produce a beam of accelerated charged particles that are intended for the irradiation of at least one target (200). The inventive cyclotron consists of a magnetic circuit which essentially comprises: an electromagnet with at least two poles (1, 1′), namely an upper pole (1) and a lower pole (1′), which are disposed symmetrically in relation to a mid-plane (110) which is perpendicular to the central axis (100) of the cyclotron and which are separated by a gap (120) containing the circulating charged particles and return flux (2) in order to close the aforementioned magnetic circuit; and a pair of main induction coils (5, 5′) which are used to create an essentially-constant main induction field in the gap between poles 1 and 1′. The invention is characterised in that it comprises means of centring the above-mentioned beam, consisting of at least one pair of bucking coils (6, 7) which are supplied by an electrical source (8) and which can modulate the intensity of the main induction field produced by the main coils (5, 5′), in order to increase the intensity of the induction field in a first area of the cyclotron and to reduce the intensity of the induction field in a second area of the cyclotron, which is diametrically opposed to the central axis (100) of the cyclotron.

The invention concerns a cyclotron for accelerating a charged particle beam circulating in the median plane essentially in the form of two poles inducing a magnetic field and having a so-called axial injector, that is an injector arranged outside the cyclotron substantially along the main axis of the cyclotron and hence perpendicular to the median plane thereof and which is combined with deflecting means which enable the particle beam to be deflected until it is positioned in the median plane. The invention is characterized in that the deflecting means consist of a magnetic deflector.

A method and a system for obtaining a proper resonance of the RF electrodes when using a preset or predetermined stable frequency oscillator in a cyclotron accelerator without using mechanical tuning devices. In order to maintain a high RF electrode voltage during operation the RF electrode system resonance is monitored and the frequency of the stable frequency generator is controlled by a feedback system continuously monitoring the matching of the oscillator output frequency and the resonance of the RF electrode system. Necessary small adjustments of the stable oscillator frequency to maintain a maximum matching to the resonance frequency of the RF electrode system are obtained by means of the feedback system to the stable oscillator. The feedback system relies on measured values obtained by a load phase sensor monitoring the output of the final RF power amplifier. A cyclotron control system in turn obtains the set and corrected oscillator frequency value and fine tunes further the magnetic field created in the accelerator device according to the frequency information obtained.

The invention relates to a method and apparatus that can improve the lifetime and performance of an ion source in a cyclotron. According to one embodiment, the invention comprises an ion source tube for sustaining a plasma discharge therein. The ion source tube comprises a slit opening along a side of the ion source tube, wherein the slit opening has a width less than 0.29 mm. The ion source tube also comprises an end opening in an end of the ion source tube. The end opening is smaller than an inner diameter of the ion source tube and is displaced by 0–1.5 mm from a central axis of the ion source tube toward the slit opening. The plasma column is displaced 0.2 to 0.5 mm relative the slit opening. The ion source tube comprises a cavity that accommodates the plasma discharge. The invention also relates to a method for making an ion source tube.

A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.

A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.

A device is disclosed for simple and quick disconnection of a target assembly at a cyclotron accelerator producing an ion beam irradiating the target assembly for PET radioisotope production. The device consists of a target body presenting a target space for introduction of target media to be irradiated by the ion beam from the cyclotron accelerator. The target body is separated into three portions by means of two separation window foils. The first separation window separates the internal space of a first body portion from a further internal space portion of a second target body portion and the second separation window separates a further internal space of the second target body portion from an internal space of a third target body portion being in communication with the vacuum space of the cyclotron. This third body portion forms a bayonet fitting to a corresponding bayonet fitting fixed to the cyclotron vacuum casing at a position where the ion beam is extracted, whereby the corresponding bayonet fitting also constitutes an insulating member. The device can by a small twisting be quickly released from the vacuum casing of the cyclotron after the vacuum has been removed for necessary maintenance and service.

A plurality of magnetic extraction bumps are incorporated into a cyclotron that further includes (a) a pair of magnetic coils encircling a central axis and positioned on opposite sides of a median acceleration plane and (b) a magnetic yoke encircling the central axis and including a return yoke that crosses the median acceleration plane and a first and second pole on opposite sides of the median acceleration plane. The magnetic extraction bumps extend in series radially from the central axis on opposite sides of the median acceleration plane and can be used to extract an orbiting accelerated ion from the cyclotron.

A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.

An apparatus is disclosed that forms a basic integrated radiation shield for a PET isotope production system to create a safe environment. The apparatus and the system combine several subsystems to provide a high degree of integration and a nice aesthetic impression. The apparatus contains a cyclotron system and contains integrated target media handling for gas targets and water dispensing systems for water targets. A compartment including first and second additional radiation shields, respectively, that contains additional processing systems. The apparatus forms a closed radiation-proof system by means of a casing formed of four molded sections. A first and second section constitute a main body containing;the cyclotron system and a third and a fourth section constituting a pair of tight doors for encompassing the cyclotron into a sealed radiation shield. The first section additionally contains a Waste Gas Delay Line embedded in its shielding material.

A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.

A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.

The present invention relates to targets, systems and methods for the cyclotron production of 124I from aluminum telluride (Al2Te3) targets. The systems and methods utilize low energy proton cyclotrons to produce 124I by the 124Te(p,n) reaction from enriched Al2Te3 glassy melts. The 124I is recovered in high yield from the glassy melt by adapted methods of common thermal distillation techniques.

A complex of proton accelerators, includes the following functionally interconnected components: a proton source, a cyclotron, at least one target, located either internally or externally to the cyclotron, a medium energy beam transport magnetic channel, a radiofrequency linear accelerator, a high energy beam transport channel towards an area dedicated to the irradiation of tumors with proton beams, as well as a modular system for supplying radio frequency power capable of feeding, independently two or more accelerating modules of the linac. An integrated computerized system controls the complex of accelerators so to carry out, either in alternation or simultaneously, both the production of radioisotopes—for medical, industrial and therapeutical purposes—and the therapeutical irradiation of, even deep seated tumors. The complex of accelerators produces proton beams which, applying the recently developed ‘spot scanning’ technique, are more suited for the tumor irradiation than the ones produced by cyclotrons and synchrotrons.

An isotope production system that includes a cyclotron having a magnet yoke that surrounds an acceleration chamber. The cyclotron is configured to direct a particle beam from the acceleration chamber through the magnet yoke. The isotope production system also includes a target system that is located proximate to the magnet yoke. The target system is configured to hold a target material and includes a radiation shield that extends between the magnet yoke and the target location. The radiation shield is sized and shaped to attenuate gamma rays emitted from the target material toward the magnet yoke. The isotope production system also includes a beam passage that extends from the acceleration chamber to the target location. The beam passage is at least partially formed by the magnet yoke and the radiation shield of the target system.

A cyclotron that includes a magnet yoke having a yoke body that surrounds an acceleration chamber. The cyclotron also includes a magnet assembly to produce magnetic fields to direct charged particles along a desired path. The magnet assembly is located in the acceleration chamber. The magnetic fields propagate through the acceleration chamber and within the magnet yoke, wherein a portion of the magnetic fields escapes outside of the magnet yoke as stray fields. The cyclotron also includes a vacuum pump that is coupled to the yoke body. The vacuum pump is configured to introduce a vacuum into the acceleration chamber. The magnet yoke is dimensioned such that the vacuum pump does not experience magnetic fields in excess of 75 Gauss.

A cyclotron that includes a magnet yoke that has a yoke body that surrounds an acceleration chamber and a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly is configured to produce magnetic fields to direct charged particles along a desired path. The magnet assembly is located in the acceleration chamber. The magnetic fields propagate through the acceleration chamber and within the magnet yoke. A portion of the magnetic fields escape outside of the magnet yoke as stray fields. The magnet yoke is dimensioned such that the stray fields do not exceed 5 Gauss at a distance of 1 meter from an exterior boundary.

A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.

Systems and methods are provided to perform efficient, automatic adjustment of cyclotron beam currents within a wide range for multiple treatment layers within the same patient and treatment session. In one embodiment, efficient adjustment is achieved by using beam current attenuation by an electrostatic vertical deflector installed in the inner center of the cyclotron. The beam current may, for example, be adjusted by the high voltage applied to the electrostatic vertical deflector. In front of each treatment the attenuation curve of the vertical deflector is recorded. Based on this attenuation curve, the vertical deflector voltage for the needed beam current of each irradiation layer is interpolated. With this procedure the beam current could be automatically adjusted in minimal time over a wide range while maintaining a high level of precision.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving the lifetime and performance of ion sources in cyclotrons. According to one embodiment, the invention includes an ion source conduit (300) for maintaining a plasma discharge therein. The ion source conduit (300) includes a slit opening (310) along a side of the ion source conduit (300), wherein the slit opening (310) has a width less than 0.29 mm. The ion source conduit (300) also includes an end opening (314) in an end of the ion source conduit (300). The end opening (314) is smaller than the inner diameter of the ion source conduit (300) and moves 0-1.5 mm from the central axis (316) of the ion source conduit (300) towards the slit opening (310). The plasma column moves 0.2 to 0.5 mm relative to the slit opening (310). The ion source conduit (300) includes a cavity (312) adapted for the plasma discharge. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an ion source conduit (300).

Systems and apparatuses for providing particle beams for radiation therapy with a compact design and suitable to a single treatment room. The radiation system comprises a stationary cyclotron coupled to a rotating gantry assembly through a beam line assembly. The system is equipped with a single set of dipole magnets that are installed on the rotating gantry assembly and undertakes the dual functions of beam energy selection and beam deflection. The energy degrader may be exposed to the air pressure. The beam line assembly comprises a rotating segment and a stationary segment that are separated from each other through an intermediate segment that is exposed to an ambient pressure.

The invention relates to a magnet structure for a superconducting isochronous cyclotron for use in particle therapy. The cyclotron according to the invention is using two sets of three or more superconducting sector coil elements for generating an azimuthally varying magnetic field across the acceleration region. In this way, high-field (e.g. above 4 T) isochronous cyclotrons are provided which do not suffer the problem of a low flutter amplitude.

A process for producing technetium-99m from a molybdenum-100 metal powder, comprising the steps of:(i) irradiating in a substantially oxygen-free environment, a hardened sintered target plate coated with a Mo-100 metal, with protons produced by a cyclotron;(ii) dissolving molybdenum ions and technetium ions from the irradiated target plate with an H2O2 solution to form an oxide solution;(iv) raising the pH of the oxide solution to about 14;(v) flowing the pH-adjusted oxide solution through a resin column to immobilize K[TcO4] ions thereon and to elute K2[MoO4] ions therefrom;(vi) eluting the bound K[TcO4] ions from the resin column;(vii) flowing the eluted K[TcO4] ions through an alumina column to immobilize K[TcO4] ions thereon;(viii) washing the immobilized K[TcO4] ions with water;(ix) eluting the immobilized K[TcO4] ions with a saline solution; and(x) recovering the eluted Na[TcO4] ions.

Systems and apparatuses for providing particle beams for radiation therapy with a compact design and suitable to a single treatment room. The radiation system comprises a stationary cyclotron coupled to a rotating gantry assembly through a beam line assembly. The system is equipped with a single set of dipole magnets that are installed on the rotating gantry assembly and undertakes the dual functions of beam energy selection and beam deflection. The energy degrader may be exposed to the air pressure. The beam line assembly comprises a rotating segment and a stationary segment that are separated from each other through an intermediate segment that is exposed to an ambient pressure.

Systems and methods are provided to perform efficient, automatic cyclotron initialization, calibration, and beam adjustment. A process is provided that allows the automation of the initialization of a cyclotron after overnight or maintenance imposed shutdown. In one embodiment, five independent cyclotron system states are defined and the transition between one state to another may be automated, e.g., by the control system of the cyclotron. According to these embodiments, it is thereby possible to achieve beam operation after shutdown with minimal manual input. By applying an automatic procedure, all active devices of the cyclotron (e.g., RF system, extraction deflectors, ion source) are respectively ramped to predefined parameters.