Patent ID: 6281509
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: A61N,G01T

Abstract:
A method for imaging through 3-dimensional tracking of protons, comprising:a) configuring a plurality of scintillating fibers in a stack comprising a plurality of layers, each layer (i) comprising a plurality of scintillating fibers positioned lengthwise substantially parallel and immediate each adjacent scintillating fiber within the same layer, (ii) being one scintillating fiber diameter in depth and being positioned parallel each adjacent layer, and (iii) being further positioned so that the scintillating fibers in each layer are orthogonal to the scintillating fibers in each adjacent layer;b) configuring an object to be imaged between and proximate a source of protons directed at the object and the scintillating fiber stack, thereby allowing the protons to pass through the object and strike the scintillating fiber stack, leaving ionization tracks in the scintillating fiber stack;c) gathering images of the proton ionization tracks in the scintillating fiber stack, including measuring the energy of the portons producing the porton ionization tracks;d) analyzing the images of the proton ionization tracks to create an image of the object.