WE‐D‐BRF‐03: Proton Beam Range Verification with a Single Prompt Gamma‐Ray Detector

Purpose: To present an experimental study of a novel range verification method for scanned and scattered proton beams. Methods: A detection system consisting of an actively shielded lanthanum(III)bromide scintillator and a one‐sided lead collimator was used to measure prompt gamma‐rays emitted during the delivery of proton beams to a water phantom and an anthropomorphic head phantom. The residual proton range at the collimator position was determined by comparing gamma‐ray intensities while the proton energy was modulated to the distal end of the target. We used a clinical field to deliver a 50 cGy dose to a 12 cm diameter target in the water phantom and to a 175 cc tumor‐shaped target in the head phantom. The detector signals were acquired with a custom data acquisition system enabling energy and time‐of‐flight discrimination of prompt gamma‐rays. Results: Range deviations were detected with a statistical accuracy of ± 0.2 mm and ± 1.4 mm at 90% confidence level, respectively for the water and head phantom. We obtained a time resolution of 1 ns FWHM and an energy resolution < 2% FWHM for the main gamma lines from proton‐induced nuclear reactions with carbon and oxygen. This allowed for an accurate separation of the prompt gamma‐rays from neutron‐induced background. Conclusion: Proton range deviations can be detected with millimeter accuracy using a single prompt gamma‐ray measurement point acquired during the delivery of a few proton energy layers to the distal part of the target. The method is also feasible in the presence of background radiation from passively scattered proton beam delivery.