Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Electron Beam Collimation”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Characterization of laser-driven proton beams from near-critical density targets using copper activation

In this study, copper activation was used to characterize high-energy proton beam acceleration from near-critical density plasma targets. An enhancement was observed when decreasing the target density, which is indicative for an increased laser-accelerated hot electron density at the rear target-vacuum boundary. This is due to channel formation and collimation of the hot electrons inside the target. Particle-in-cell simulations support the experimental observations and show the correlation between channel depth and longitudinal electric field strength is directly correlated with the proton acceleration.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS2004

Imaging of gamma-Irradiated Regions of a Crystal

A holographic technique has been devised for generating a visible display of the effect of exposure of a photorefractive crystal to gamma rays. The technique exploits the space charge that results from trapping of electrons in defects induced by gamma rays. The technique involves a three-stage process. In the first stage, one writes a holographic pattern in the crystal by use of the apparatus shown in Figure 1. A laser beam of 532-nm wavelength is collimated and split into signal and reference beams by use of a polarizing beam splitter. On its way to the crystal, the reference beam goes through a two-dimensional optical scanner that contains two pairs of lenses (L1y, L2y and L1x,L2x) and mirrors M1 and M2, which can be rotated by use of micrometer drives to make fine adjustments. The signal beam is sent through a spatial light modulator that imposes the holographic pattern, then through two imaging lenses L(sub img) on its way to the crystal. An aperture is placed at the common focus of lenses Limg to suppress high-order diffraction from the spatial light modulator. The hologram is formed by interference between the signal and reference beams. A camera lens focuses an image of the interior of the crystal onto a charge-coupled device (CCD). If the crystal is illuminated by only the reference beam once the hologram has been formed, then an image of the hologram is formed on the CCD: this phenomenon is exploited to make visible the pattern of gamma irradiation of the crystal, as described next. In the second stage of the process, the crystal is removed from the holographic apparatus and irradiated with rays at a dose of about 100 krad. In the third stage of the process, the crystal is remounted in the holographic apparatus in the same position as in the first stage and illuminated with only the reference beam to obtain the image of the hologram as modified by the effect of the rays. The orientations of M1 and M2 can be adjusted slightly, if necessary, to maximize the intensity of the image. Figure 2 shows such an image that was formed in a crystal of Fe:LiNbO3.

Dragoi, Danut↗
DOE OSTI2019

AC Dipole Requirements for Beam Extinction for the Fermilab Mu2e Experiment

Mu2e experiment is a particle physics experiment which studies the muon-to-electron conversion without producing neutrinos. The experiment has very strict limits on the unwanted proton beam between pulses, so an extinction process to eliminate the unwanted beam is needed. The goal of our study is to simulate an extinction system with AC dipoles and a collimator and verify the 10-10 extinction requirement is fulfilled. We also analyze several sources of error to investigate the stability of our system.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Compensating slice emittance growth in high brightness photoinjectors using sacrificial charge

Achieving maximum electron beam brightness in photoinjectors requires detailed control of the 3D bunch shape and precise tuning of the beam focusing. Even in state-of-the-art designs, slice emittance growth due to nonlinear space charge forces and partial nonlaminarity often remains non-negligible. In this work, we introduce a new means to linearize the transverse slice phase space: a sacrificial portion of the bunch’s own charge distribution, formed into a wavebroken shock front by highly nonlinear space charge forces within the gun, whose downstream purpose is to dynamically linearize the desired bunch core. We show that linearization of an appropriately prepared bunch can be achieved via strongly nonlaminar focusing of the sacrificial shock front, while the inner core focuses laminarly. This leads to a natural spatial separation of the two distributions: a dense core surrounded by a diffuse halo of sacrificial charge that can be collimated. Multiobjective genetic algorithm optimizations of the ultracompact x-ray free electron laser injector employ this concept, and we interpret it with an analytic model that agrees well with the simulations. In simulation, we demonstrate a final bunch charge of 100 pC, peak current ∼ 30 A, and a sacrificial charge of 150 pC (250 pC total emitted from cathode) with normalized emittance growth of < 20 nm rad due to space charge. This implies a maximum achievable brightness approximately an order of magnitude greater than existing free electron laser injector designs. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-521: Flattening-Filter-Free Beam Parameters Comparison From Different Linac Machine Types

Purpose: Novel linac machines, TrueBeam (TB) and Elekta Versa have updated head designing and software control system, include flattening-filter-free (FFF) photon and electron beams. Later on FFF beams were also introduced on C-Series machines. In this work FFF beams for same energy 6MV but from different machine versions were studied with reference to beam data parameters. Methods: The 6MV-FFF percent depth doses, profile symmetry and flatness, dose rate tables, and multi-leaf collimator (MLC) transmission factors were measured during commissioning process of both C-series and Truebeam machines. The scanning and dosimetric data for 6MV-FFF beam from Truebeam and C-Series linacs was compared. A correlation of 6MV-FFF beam from Elekta Versa with that of Varian linacs was also found. Results: The scanning files were plotted for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) for C-Series 6MV-FFF beam is 1.1 mm. Published values for Truebeam dosimetric leaf gap is 1.16 mm. 6MV MLC transmission factor varies between 1.3 % and 1.4 % in two separate measurements and measured DLG values vary between 1.32 mm and 1.33 mm on C-Series machine. MLC transmission factor from C-Series machine varies between 1.5 % and 1.6 %. Some of the measured data values from C-Series FFF beam are compared with Truebeam representative data. 6MV-FFF beam parameter values like dmax, OP factors, beam symmetry and flatness and additional parameters for C-Series and Truebeam liancs will be presented and compared in graphical form and tabular data form if selected. Conclusion: The 6MV flattening filter (FF) beam data from C-Series & Truebeam and 6MV-FFF beam data from Truebeam has already presented. This particular analysis to compare 6MV-FFF beam from C-Series and Truebeam provides opportunity to better elaborate FFF mode on novel machines. It was found that C-Series and Truebeam 6MV-FFF dosimetric and beam data was quite similar.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Design of a correlation electron cyclotron emission diagnostic for Alcator C-Mod

A correlation electron cyclotron emission (CECE) diagnostic has been installed in Alcator C-Mod. In order to measure electron temperature fluctuations, this diagnostic uses a spectral decorrelation technique. Constraints obtained with nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations guided the design of the optical system and receiver. The CECE diagnostic is designed to measure temperature fluctuations which have k{sub {theta}}{<=} 4.8 cm{sup -1} (k{sub {theta}}{rho}{sub s} < 0.5) using a well-focused beam pattern. Because the CECE diagnostic is a dedicated turbulence diagnostic, the optical system is also flexible, which allows for various collimating lenses and antenna to be used. The system overview and the demonstration of its operability as designed are presented in this paper.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2012

Collisional effects on the oblique instability in relativistic beam-plasma interactions

The general oblique instability for a relativistic electron beam propagating through a warm and resistive plasma is investigated fully kinetically by a variable rotation method. Analysis shows that the electrostatic part of the oblique instability is attenuated and eventually stabilized by collisional effects. However, the electromagnetic part of the oblique instability (EMOI) is enhanced. Since the current-filamentation instability as a special case of the EMOI has a larger growth rate, it becomes dominant in the collisional case as shown in our two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. While the beam diverges in the collisionless case, it can become magnetically collimated in the collisional case due to stabilization of the electrostatic instabilities when the initial beam spreading angle is less than certain magnitude such as a dozen degrees.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

A diamond based neutron spectrometer for diagnostics of deuterium-tritium fusion plasmas

Single crystal Diamond Detectors (SDD) are being increasingly exploited for neutron diagnostics in high power fusion devices, given their significant radiation hardness and high energy resolution capabilities. The geometrical efficiency of SDDs is limited by the size of commercially available crystals, which is often smaller than the dimension of neutron beams along collimated lines of sight in tokamak devices. In this work, we present the design and fabrication of a 14 MeV neutron spectrometer consisting of 12 diamond pixels arranged in a matrix, so to achieve an improved geometrical efficiency. Each pixel is equipped with an independent high voltage supply and read-out electronics optimized to combine high energy resolution and fast signals (<30 ns), which are essential to enable high counting rate (>1 MHz) spectroscopy. The response function of a prototype SDD to 14 MeV neutrons has been measured at the Frascati Neutron Generator by observation of the 8.3 MeV peak from the {sup 12}C(n, α){sup 9}Be reaction occurring between neutrons and {sup 12}C nuclei in the detector. The measured energy resolution (2.5% FWHM) meets the requirements for neutron spectroscopy applications in deuterium-tritium plasmas.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1973

Study of artificially generated and natural auroras

The feasibility of generating artificial auroras by injecting electrons into the upper atmosphere was investigated by using an electron accelerator aboard an Aerobee 350 rocket. Four of the artificial auroral rays were detected and recorded by two geophysical sites separated enough to enable the spatial coordinates of the rays to be determined by triangulation. It was found that (1) the beam remained well collimated; (2) most of the initial beam energy was deposited in the atmosphere; (3) plasma instabilities did not play a significant role; and (4) the orientations of the rays were determined with sufficient accuracy to improve the knowledge of the earth's magnetic field over the Virginia coast. The publications resulting from this research are listed.

Davis, T. N.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Technical Note: Dose gradients and prescription isodose in orthovoltage stereotactic radiosurgery

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to examine the trade-off between prescription isodose and dose gradients in orthovoltage stereotactic radiosurgery. Methods: Point energy deposition kernels (EDKs) describing photon and electron transport were calculated using Monte Carlo methods. EDKs were generated from 10 to 250 keV, in 10 keV increments. The EDKs were converted to pencil beam kernels and used to calculate dose profiles through isocenter from a 4π isotropic delivery from all angles of circularly collimated beams. Monoenergetic beams and an orthovoltage polyenergetic spectrum were analyzed. The dose gradient index (DGI) is the ratio of the 50% prescription isodose volume to the 100% prescription isodose volume and represents a metric by which dose gradients in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may be evaluated. Results: Using the 4π dose profiles calculated using pencil beam kernels, the relationship between DGI and prescription isodose was examined for circular cones ranging from 4 to 18 mm in diameter and monoenergetic photon beams with energies ranging from 20 to 250 keV. Values were found to exist for prescription isodose that optimize DGI. Conclusions: The relationship between DGI and prescription isodose was found to be dependent on both field size and energy. Examining this trade-off is an important consideration for designing optimal SRS systems.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Rapid Demonstration of Bremsstrahlung Diode Optimization

Optimization of the radiation pattern from a Bremsstrahlung target for a given application is possible by controlling the electron beam that impacts the high-atomic-number target. In this work, the electron beam is generated by a 13MV vacuum diode that terminates a coaxial magnetically insulted transmission line (MITL) on the HERMES-III machine at Sandia National Labs. Work by Sanford introduced a geometry for vacuum diodes that can control the flow within bounds. The "indented anode", as coined by Sanford, can straighten out the electron beam in a high-current diode that would otherwise be prone to beam pinching. A straighter beam will produce a more forwardly directed radiation pattern while a pinching electron beam will yield a focal point or hot spot on axis and a more diffuse radiation pattern. Either one of these may be desirable depending on the application. This work serves as a first attempt to optimize the radiation pattern in the former sense of collimating the radiation pattern given a limited parameter space. The optimization is attempted first using electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulations in the EMPIRE code suite. The setup of the models used in EMPIRE is discussed along with some basic theory behind some of the models used in the simulations such as anode heating and secondary ions. Theoretical work performed by Allen Garner and his students at Purdue is included here, which concerns the impact of collisions in these vacuum diodes. The EMPIRE simulations consider both an aggressive and a conservative design. The aggressive design is inherently riskier while the conservative design is chosen as something that, while still a risk, is more likely to perform as expected. The ultimate goal of this work was to validate the EMPIRE code results with experimental data. While the experiment that tested the diode designs proposed by the simulation results fell outside of the fiscal boundaries of this project (and for that reason the results of which are not included in this report), the hardware for the experiment was designed and drafted within those same fiscal boundaries, and is thus included in this report. However, there was yet another experiment performed in this project that tested a key feature of the diode: the hemispherical cathode. Those results are documented here as well, which show that the cathode tip is an important aspect to controlling the diode flow. A short series of simulations on this diode were also performed after the experiment in order to gain a better understanding of the effect of ions. on the flow pattern and faceplate dose profile.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Detector to detector corrections: A comprehensive experimental study of detector specific correction factors for beam output measurements for small radiotherapy beams

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to provide a comprehensive set of detector specific correction factors for beam output measurements for small beams, for a wide range of real time and passive detectors. The detector specific correction factors determined in this study may be potentially useful as a reference data set for small beam dosimetry measurements. Methods: Dose response of passive and real time detectors was investigated for small field sizes shaped with a micromultileaf collimator ranging from 0.6 × 0.6 cm{sup 2} to 4.2 × 4.2 cm{sup 2} and the measurements were extended to larger fields of up to 10 × 10 cm{sup 2}. Measurements were performed at 5 cm depth, in a 6 MV photon beam. Detectors used included alanine, thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), stereotactic diode, electron diode, photon diode, radiophotoluminescent dosimeters (RPLDs), radioluminescence detector based on carbon-doped aluminium oxide (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}:C), organic plastic scintillators, diamond detectors, liquid filled ion chamber, and a range of small volume air filled ionization chambers (volumes ranging from 0.002 cm{sup 3} to 0.3 cm{sup 3}). All detector measurements were corrected for volume averaging effect and compared with dose ratios determined from alanine to derive a detector correction factors that account for beam perturbation related to nonwater equivalence of the detector materials. Results: For the detectors used in this study, volume averaging corrections ranged from unity for the smallest detectors such as the diodes, 1.148 for the 0.14 cm{sup 3} air filled ionization chamber and were as high as 1.924 for the 0.3 cm{sup 3} ionization chamber. After applying volume averaging corrections, the detector readings were consistent among themselves and with alanine measurements for several small detectors but they differed for larger detectors, in particular for some small ionization chambers with volumes larger than 0.1 cm{sup 3}. Conclusions: The results demonstrate how important it is for the appropriate corrections to be applied to give consistent and accurate measurements for a range of detectors in small beam geometry. The results further demonstrate that depending on the choice of detectors, there is a potential for large errors when effects such as volume averaging, perturbation and differences in material properties of detectors are not taken into account. As the commissioning of small fields for clinical treatment has to rely on accurate dose measurements, the authors recommend the use of detectors that require relatively little correction, such as unshielded diodes, diamond detectors or microchambers, and solid state detectors such as alanine, TLD, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}:C, or scintillators.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-T-357: Electronic Compensation Technique to Deliver Total Body Dose

Purpose: Total body irradiation (TBI) uses large parallel-opposed radiation fields to suppress the patient’s immune system and eradicate the residual cancer cells in preparation of recipient for bone marrow transplant. The manual placement of lead compensators has conventionally been used to compensate for the varying thickness through the entire body in large-field TBI. The goal of this study is to pursue utilizing the modern electronic compensation technique to more accurately and efficiently deliver dose to patients in need of TBI. Methods: Treatment plans utilizing electronic compensation to deliver a total body dose were created retrospectively for patients for whom CT data had been previously acquired. Each treatment plan includes two, specifically weighted, pair of opposed fields. One pair of open, large fields (collimator=45°), to encompass the patient’s entire anatomy, and one pair of smaller fields (collimator=0°) focused only on the thicker midsection of the patient. The optimal fluence for each one of the smaller fields was calculated at a patient specific penetration depth. Irregular surface compensators provide a more uniform dose distribution within the smaller opposed fields. Results: Dose-volume histograms (DVH) were calculated for the evaluating the electronic compensation technique. In one case, the maximum body doses calculated from the DVH were reduced from the non-compensated 195.8% to 165.3% in the electronically compensated plans, indicating a more uniform dose with the region of electronic compensation. The mean body doses calculated from the DVH were also reduced from the non-compensated 120.6% to 112.7% in the electronically compensated plans, indicating a more accurate delivery of the prescription dose. All calculated monitor units were well within clinically acceptable limits. Conclusion: Electronic compensation technique for TBI will not substantially increase the beam on time while it can significantly reduce the compensator setup time and the potential risk of errors in manually placing lead compensators.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

The Jefferson Lab High Power Broadband THz Facility

Jefferson Lab operates a broadband terahertz (THz) facility, whose light is generated by 300 fs FWHM 135 pC bunches of electrons at an energy of 125 MeV as they traverse a magnetic compression chicane prior to entering the optical cavity of the Jefferson Lab Free Electron Laser (FEL)[1-3]. The repetition rate of the electron bunches, and hence that of the light pulses, can be as high as 75 MHz continuous. Approximately 1 microJoule of energy is emitted for each pulse, which implies an average power of up to 75W, a peak power of several MW and electric fields of MV/m. Niche applications of this unique source are pump-probe dynamics, both in and out of equilibrium, and large-scale imaging. The beamline itself is designed to deliver an f/8 beam 2mm vertical × 3mm horizontal in size and 60% vertically polarized from a subtended angle of ~200 milliradians horizontal by ~135 milliradians vertical in the accelerator. The first mirror is copper-braid cooled. The philosophy of the optical design is to use a relay optics configuration to transport the beam via reflection off metal mirrors through a series of focal points, with the final one being at a diamond window. The optical scheme was developed using the Synchrotron Radiation Workshop (SRW)[4]. This code performs a full calculation of the electric field from a relativistic electron. It does not handle multiparticle coherent enhancement[5], but it is significantly different from all the other synchrotron radiation calculations because it retains a term called the Coulomb term in which the electric field falls off as 1/R2. In addition to calculating the electric field and the intensity, the code also allows one to propagate the field through the optical focusing elements and apertures. The beam exiting the final diamond window in the THz user lab passes into a series of vacuum chambers with considerable flexibility for attenuation, collimation, and/or beam splitting for imaging, spectroscopy and 2 photon pump-probe measurements. In this talk we will discuss the details of the philosophy, optical design and operating experience of this facility and also present ideas for discussion. We deeply appreciate the excellent support of our colleagues without which these facilities would not have been built and operated. This work was supported by the U.S. Dept. of Energy under contract DE-AC05-06-OR23177, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The FEL facility is supported by the Office of Naval Research. 1. S. V. Benson et al, ?The VUV/IR/THz Free Electron Laser Program at Jefferson Lab?, Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A649 9 (2011). 2. G.L. Carr, M.C. Martin, W.R. McKinney, K. Jordan, G.R. Neil and G.P. Williams ?High Power Terahertz Radiation from Relativistic Electrons?, Nature 420 153-156 (2002). 3. J.M. Klopf et al. ?The Jefferson Lab high power THz user facility?, Nucl. Instrum. Methods A582, 114-116 (2007). 4. O. Chubar, P. Elleaume, "Accurate And Efficient Computation Of Synchrotron Radiation In The Near Field Region", proc. of the EPAC98 Conference, 22-26 June 1998, p.1177-1179. 5. C. J. Hirschmugl, M. Sagurton and G. P. Williams, ?Multiparticle coherence calculations for synchrotron radiation emission? Physical Review A44, 1316 (1991).

Klopf, John↗
DOE OSTI2013

On the small divergence of laser-driven ion beams from nanometer thick foils

We report on experimental studies of divergence of proton beams from nanometer thick diamond-like carbon foils irradiated by a linearly polarized intense laser with high contrast. Proton beams with extremely small divergence (half angle) of 2° are observed in addition with a remarkably well-collimated feature over the whole energy range, showing one order of magnitude reduction of the divergence angle in comparison to the results from μm thick targets. Similar features are reproduced in two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations with parameters representing our experiments, indicating a strong influence from the electron density distribution on the divergence of protons. Our comprehensive experimental study reveals grand opportunities for using nm foils in experiments that require high ion flux and small divergence.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1982

Beta decay and the origins of biological chirality - Experimental results

Preliminary experimental results are presented of an investigation of the possible role of preferential radiolysis by electrons emitted in the beta decay of radionuclides, a parity-nonconserving process, in the universal causation of the optical activity of biological compounds. Experiments were designed to measure the asymmetry in the production of triplet positronium upon the bombardment of an amino acid powder target by a collimated beam of positrons as positron helicity or target chirality is reversed. No asymmetry down to a level of 0.0007 is found in experiments on the D and L forms of cystine and tryptophan, indicating an asymmetry in positronium formation cross section of less than 0.01, while an asymmetry of 0.0031 is found for leucine, corresponding to a formation cross section asymmetry of about 0.04

Gidley, D. W.↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-375: Optimization of a New Co-60 Machine for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: A Monte Carlo Characterization Study

Purpose: To provide a wide range of dose output for intensity modulation purposes while minimizing the beam penumbra for a new rotating cobalt therapy system. The highest dose rate needs to be maximized as well. Methods: The GEPTS Monte Carlo system is used to calculate the dose distribution from each tested Co-60 head for a wide range of field sizes (1×1 to 40×40 cm2). This includes the transport of photons (and secondary electrons) from the source through the collimation system (primary collimator, Y and × jaws, and MLCs) and finally in the water phantom. Photon transport includes Compton scattering (with electron binding effect), Rayleigh scattering, Photoelectric effect (with detailed simulation of fluorescence x-rays). Calculations are done for different system designs to reduce geometric penumbra and provide dose output modulation. Results: Taking into account different clinical requirements, the choice of a movable head (SAD = 70 to 80 cm) is made. The 120-leaf MLC (6-cm thick) entrance is at 32 cm from the bottom of the source (to reduce penumbra while allowing larger patient clearance). Three system designs (refereed here as S1–3) were simulated with different effective source sizes (2mm, 10mm and 17mm diameter). The effective point source is at mid-height of the 25-mm-long source. Using a 12000-Ci source, the designed Co-60 head can deliver a wide range of dose outputs (0.5 − 4 Gy/mn). A dose output of 2.2 Gy/mn can be delivered for a 10cm × 10cm field size with 1-cm penumbra using a 10mm effective source. Conclusion: A new 60Co-based VMAT machine is designed to meet different clinical requirements in term of dose output and beam penumbra. Outcomes from this study can be used for the design of 60Co machines for which a renewed interest is seen.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-89: Investigation of Simultaneous Optimization of Photon and Electron Apertures for Mixed Beam Radiotherapy Based On An Academic Case

Purpose: To estimate the dosimetric potential of mixed beam radiotherapy (MBRT) by using a single process optimizing the shape and weight of photon and electron apertures simultaneously based on Monte Carlo beamlet dose distributions. Methods: A simulated annealing based direct aperture optimization capable to perform simultaneous optimization was developed to generate treatment plans for MERT, photon-IMRT and MBRT. Both photon and electron apertures are collimated with the photon-MLC and are delivered in a segmented manner. For dosimetric comparison and for investigating the dependency on the number of apertures, photon-IMRT, MERT and MBRT plans were generated for an academic case consisting of a water phantom containing two shallow PTVs differing in the maximal depth of 5 and 7 cm, respectively and two OARs in distal and lateral direction to the PTVs. Results: For the superficial PTV, the dose homogeneity (V95%–V107%) and the mean dose (in percent of the prescribed dose) to the distal and the lateral OARs of the MBRT plan (94.9%, 16.9%, 17.8%) are superior or comparable to those for the MERT (74%, 18.4%, 15.4%) and the photon-IMRT plan (89.4%, 20.8%, 24.7%). For the enlarged PTV, the dosimetric superiority of MBRT compared to MERT and photon-IMRT is even more pronounced. Furthermore, an MBRT plan with 12 electron and 10 photon apertures lead to an objective function value 38% lower than that of a photon-IMRT plan with 40 apertures. Conclusion: The results of simultaneous optimization for MBRT are promising with regards to further OAR sparing and improved dose coverage to the PTV compared to photon-IMRT and MERT. Especially superficial targets with deeper subparts (>5 cm) could substantially benefit. Moreover, MBRT seems to be a possible solution of two downsides of photon-IMRT, namely the extended low dose bath and the requirement of numerous apertures. This work was supported by Varian Medical Systems. This work was supported by Varian Medical Systems.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗