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Pulse-to-pulse analysis of ultra-high dose per pulse electron beams using beam current transformers
Miguel A Flores-Mancera1, Jeffrey L Radtke1, Wesley S Culberson1
1Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Medical Physics
|May 24, 2026
Summary
Ultra-high dose per pulse (UHDPP) radiotherapy requires stable beams. This study found that outliers significantly impact dose delivery, especially with fewer pulses, and identified optimal beam configurations for stability.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiotherapy Technology
- Beam Dynamics
Background:
- Ultra-high dose per pulse (UHDPP) radiotherapy offers potential for healthy tissue sparing.
- Accurate dose delivery in UHDPP relies heavily on pulse-to-pulse beam stability.
- Characterizing beam stability is crucial for reducing uncertainty in metrological and biological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a framework for analyzing UHDPP beam stability.
- To utilize Faraday-shielded beam current transformers (BCTs) for accurate real-time monitoring.
- To mitigate downstream charge build-up during beam monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Measured 6 and 9 MeV UHDPP electron beams using Faraday-shielded BCTs.
- Employed a scintillator-photomultiplier system as an independent detector.
- Assessed pulse-population normality and quantified outlier impact across various beam configurations.
Main Results:
- Pulse populations often deviated from normality, particularly with outliers.
- Outliers, up to 8% of pulses, significantly contributed to delivery uncertainty.
- Optimal configurations included larger pulse widths (>2.0 µs) and lower repetition frequencies (≤30 Hz).
Conclusions:
- A robust framework for analyzing UHDPP beam stability was developed.
- Normality tests effectively identified delivery limitations and outlier influence.
- Outliers must be considered in the design and interpretation of UHDPP experiments to ensure accurate dosimetry.
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