A precision translation stage for reproducing measured target volume motions

The development of 4D imaging, treatment planning and treatment delivery methods for radiation therapy require the use of a high-precision translation stage for testing and validation. These technologies may require spatial resolutions of 1 mm, and temporal resolutions of 2-30 Hz for CT imaging, electromagnetic tracking, and fluoroscopic imaging. A 1D programmable translation stage capable of reproducing idealized and measured anatomic motions common to the thorax has been design and built to meet these spatial and temporal resolution requirement with phantoms weighing up to 27 kg. The stage consists of a polycarbonate base and table, driven by an AC servo motor with encoder feedback by means of a belt-coupled precision screw. Complex motions are possible through a programmable motion controller that is capable of running multiple independent control and monitoring programs concurrently. Programmable input and output ports allow motion to be synchronized with beam delivery and other imaging and treatment delivery devices to within 2.0 ms. Average deviations from the programmed positions are typically 0.2 mm or less, while the average typical maximum positional errors are typically 0.5 mm for an indefinite number of idealized breathing motion cycles and while reproducing measured target volume motions for several minutes.