A novel electron source for a compact x-ray tube for microbeam radiotherapy with very high dose rates

Microbeam radiotherapy (MRT) is a novel concept in radiation oncology with arrays of alternating micrometer-wide high-dose peaks and low-dose valleys. Preclinical experiments have shown a lower normal tissue toxicity for MRT with similar tumor control rates compared to conventional radiotherapy. A promising candidate for the demanded compact radiation source is the line-focus x-ray tube. Here, we present the setup of a prototype for an electron accelerator being able to provide a suitable x-ray beam for the tube. Several beam dynamic calculations and simulations were performed concerning particle tracking, thermal and electrostatic properties of the electron source, resulting in a proper beamline, including the cathode, the pierce electrode (PE) and the focusing magnets. These parts are discussed separately. The simulations showed that a rectangular cathode with a small width of 0.4mm is mandatory. To quickly shut down the electron beam, an additional voltage of -600V must be applied to the PE. Moreover, the electric field inside the vacuum chamber stays below 10MVm^-1 to minimize the risk of field emission. The thermal simulation validates a small displacement of 0.1mm of the heated cathode with respect to the PE, which must be considered during manufacturing of the cathode-PE assembly. The simulations lead to an adequate choice of cathode, electrodes and beamline to achieve the required focal spot of 0.05×20mm² with a beam current of 0.3A and an electron energy of 300keV. With this setup first MRT experiments with high dose rates up to 10Gys^-1 can be executed.