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Water-equivalent path length calibration of a prototype proton CT scanner
R F Hurley1, R W Schulte, V A Bashkirov
1Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA. fhurley@dominion.llumc.edu
Medical Physics
|May 8, 2012
Summary
This study introduces a straightforward calibration method for proton computed tomography (pCT) scanners. The new technique accurately measures relative stopping power (RSP) for tissue-equivalent materials, crucial for pCT imaging.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Particle Physics
- Radiological Sciences
Background:
- Accurate proton computed tomography (pCT) relies on precise energy detection.
- Calibration of the energy detector is critical for measuring residual proton energy.
- A prototype pCT scanner utilizes a cesium iodide (CsI(Tl)) crystal calorimeter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a calibration method for a prototype proton computed tomography (pCT) scanner.
- To ensure the accuracy of energy measurements for protons passing through an object.
- To validate the calibration method by comparing measured relative stopping power (RSP) values.
Main Methods:
- Calibrated a prototype pCT scanner using 200 and 100 MeV protons with polystyrene plates.
- Generated calibration curves by fitting polynomials to water-equivalent path length versus calorimeter response data.
- Measured RSP values of tissue-equivalent materials and reconstructed a water phantom's RSP distribution.
Main Results:
- Measured RSP values for tissue-equivalent materials agreed within 0.5% of established water-tank methods.
- The reconstructed water phantom's mean RSP value was 0.995 ± 0.006.
- Demonstrated high accuracy in RSP measurements and reconstructions.
Conclusions:
- The presented method offers a simple and reliable procedure for pCT scanner calibration.
- This calibration technique is essential for accurate pCT imaging.
- The method ensures precise measurement of proton energy and material properties.
