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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.

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At least 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Optical laser systems at the Linac Coherent Light Source

Ultrafast optical lasers play an essential role in exploiting the unique capabilities of recently commissioned X-ray free-electron laser facilities such as the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). Pump–probe experimental techniques reveal ultrafast dynamics in atomic and molecular processes and reveal new insights in chemistry, biology, material science and high-energy-density physics. This manuscript describes the laser systems and experimental methods that enable cutting-edge optical laser/X-ray pump–probe experiments to be performed at LCLS.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2017

Numerical simulations of the hard X-ray pulse intensity distribution at the Linac Coherent Light Source

Numerical simulations of the current and future pulse intensity distributions at selected locations along the Far Experimental Hall, the hard X-ray section of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), are provided. Estimates are given for the pulse fluence, energy and size in and out of focus, taking into account effects due to the experimentally measured divergence of the X-ray beam, and measured figure errors of all X-ray optics in the beam path. Out-of-focus results are validated by comparison with experimental data. Previous work is expanded on, providing quantitatively correct predictions of the pulse intensity distribution. Numerical estimates in focus are particularly important given that the latter cannot be measured with direct imaging techniques due to detector damage. Finally, novel numerical estimates of improvements to the pulse intensity distribution expected as part of the on-going upgrade of the LCLS X-ray transport system are provided. As a result, we suggest how the new generation of X-ray optics to be installed would outperform the old one, satisfying the tight requirements imposed by X-ray free-electron laser facilities.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2019

The Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography Instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source

The Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography (MFX) instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is the seventh and newest instrument at the world's first hard X-ray free-electron laser. It was designed with a primary focus on structural biology, employing the ultrafast pulses of X-rays from LCLS at atmospheric conditions to overcome radiation damage limitations in biological measurements. It is also capable of performing various time-resolved measurements. The MFX design consists of a versatile base system capable of supporting multiple methods, techniques and experimental endstations. The primary techniques supported are forward scattering and crystallography, with capabilities for various spectroscopic methods and time-resolved measurements. The location of the MFX instrument allows for utilization of multiplexing methods, increasing user access to LCLS by running multiple experiments simultaneously.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2019

Pump–probe experimental methodology at the Linac Coherent Light Source

Experimental methods that use free-electron laser (FEL) sources that can deliver short X-ray pulses below a 10 fs pulse duration and traditional optical lasers are ideal tools for pump–probe experiments. However, these new methods also come with a unique set of challenges, such as how to accurately determine temporal overlap between two sources at the femtosecond scale and how to correct for the pulse-to-pulse beam property fluctuations of the FEL light derived from the self-amplified spontaneous emission process. Over the past several years of performing pump–probe experiments at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), new methods and tools have been developed to improve the ways experimental timing is measured, monitored and scanned. The aim of this article is to present an overview of the most commonly used techniques at LCLS to perform pump–probe-type experiments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

A high-power, high-repetition-rate THz source for pump–probe experiments at Linac Coherent Light Source II

Experiments using a THz pump and an X-ray probe at an X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facility like the Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS II) require frequency-tunable (3 to 20 THz), narrow bandwidth (~10%), carrier-envelope-phase-stable THz pulses that produce high fields (>1 MV cm –1 ) at the repetition rate of the X-rays and are well synchronized with them. Herein, a two-bunch scheme to generate THz radiation at LCLS II is studied: the first bunch produces THz radiation in an electromagnet wiggler immediately following the LCLS II undulator that produces X-rays from the second bunch. The initial time delay between the two bunches is optimized to compensate for the path difference in THz transport. The two-bunch beam dynamics, the THz wiggler and radiation are described, as well as the transport system bringing the THz pulses from the wiggler to the experimental hall.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Macromolecular crystallography and biology at the Linac Coherent Light Source

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) has significantly impacted the field of biology by providing advanced capabilities for probing the structure and dynamics of biological molecules with high precision. The ultrashort coherent X-ray pulses from the LCLS have enabled ultrafast, time-resolved, serial femtosecond crystallography that is inaccessible at conventional synchrotron light sources. Since the facility's founding, scientists have captured detailed insights into biological processes at atomic resolution and fundamental timescales. The ability to observe these processes in real time and under conditions closely resembling their natural state is transforming our approach to studying biochemical mechanisms and developing new medical and energy applications. This work recounts some of the history of the LCLS, advances in biological research enabled by the LCLS, key biological areas that have been impacted and how the LCLS has helped to unravel complex biological phenomena in these fields.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Study of beam dynamics of a 100 MeV electron linac

A 100 MeV electron linear accelerator is proposed to be built by APPD, BARC, Mumbai, India for neutron generation purposes. This paper presents the results of electron beam tracking for a 100 MeV standing wave electron linac to determine preferential operation parameters from the results of beam dynamics studies. (author)

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Design Study of a Superconducting Quadrupole Magnet System Sustainable Under Dark Current Heating in ILC Main Linac

The International Linear Collider (ILC) main linac comprises a series of 12 m-long cryomodules. The cryomodule contains eight 9-cell superconducting (SC) RF (SRF) cavities and an SC quadrupole magnet combined with dipole correctors to focus and steer electron and positron beams. The magnets are installed between the SRF cavity string and at the longitudinal center of a common cryomodule/cryostat. These magnets are conductively cooled by pure aluminum channels thermally connected to a 2 K two-phase helium pipe for cooling the SRF cavities. A recent study shows that field-emitted electrons, so-called “dark current” initiated in the SRF cavities, are transmitted through the SRF cavity string and reach the SC magnet. The energy is inevitably absorbed in the SC coil due to the magnetic field, resulting in risks of a quench caused by the coil heating. We are investigating alternate magnet designs by using Nb $_{3}$ Sn or $\text{MgB}_{2}$ SC and by adding the dark current absorber surrounding the beam-pipe to realize sustainable magnet operation under the dark current heating. We report the design study of the magnet system and interfaces to the cryomodule accommodating it with the SRF cavities.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-D-19A-04: Parameter Characterization of Electron Beam Monte Carlo Phase Space of TrueBeam Linacs

Purpose: For TrueBeam Monte Carlo simulations, Varian does not distribute linac head geometry and material compositions, instead providing a phase space file (PSF) for the users. The PSF has a finite number of particle histories and can have very large file size, yet still contains inherent statistical noises. The purpose of this study is to characterize the electron beam PSF with parameters. Methods: The PSF is a snapshot of all particles' information at a given plane above jaws including type, energy, position, and directions. This study utilized a preliminary TrueBeam PSF, of which validation against measurement is presented in another study. To characterize the PSF, distributions of energy, position, and direction of all particles are analyzed as piece-wise parameterized functions of radius and polar angle. Subsequently, a pseudo PSF was generated based on this characterization. Validation was assessed by directly comparing the true and pseudo PSFs, and by using both PSFs in the down-stream MC simulations (BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc) and comparing dose distributions for 3 applicators at 15 MeV. Statistical uncertainty of 4% was limited by the number of histories in the original PSF. Percent depth dose (PDD) and orthogonal (PRF) profiles at various depths were evaluated. Results: Preliminary results showed that this PSF parameterization was accurate, with no visible differences between original and pseudo PSFs except at the edge (6 cm off axis), which did not impact dose distributions in phantom. PDD differences were within 1 mm for R{sub 7} {sub 0}, R{sub 5} {sub 0}, R{sub 3} {sub 0}, and R{sub 1} {sub 0}, and PRF field size and penumbras were within 2 mm. Conclusion: A PSF can be successfully characterized by distributions for energy, position, and direction as parameterized functions of radius and polar angles; this facilitates generating sufficient particles at any statistical precision. Analyses for all other electron energies are under way and results will be included in the presentation.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-I-72: First Experimental Study of On-Board CBCT Imaging Using 2.5MV Beam On a Radiotherapy Linac

Purpose: Varian TrueBeam version 2.0 comes with a new inline 2.5MV beam modality for image guided patient setup. In this work we develop an iterative volumetric image reconstruction technique specific to the beam and investigate the possibility of obtaining metal artifact free CBCT images using the new imaging modality. Methods: An iterative reconstruction algorithm with a sparse representation constraint based on dictionary learning is developed, in which both sparse projection and low dose rate (10 MU/min) are considered. Two CBCT experiments were conducted using the newly available 2.5MV beam on a Varian TrueBeam linac. First, a Rando anthropomorphic head phantom with and without a copper bar inserted in the center was scanned using both 2.5MV and kV (100kVp) beams. In a second experiment, an MRI phantom with many coils was scanned using 2.5MV, 6MV, and kV (100kVp) beams. Imaging dose and the resultant image quality is studied. Results: Qualitative assessment suggests that there were no visually detectable metal artifacts in MV CBCT images, compared with significant metal artifacts in kV CBCT images, especially in the MRI phantom. For a region near the metal object in the head phantom, the 2.5MV CBCT gave a more accurate quantification of the electron density compared with kV CBCT, with a ∼50% reduction in mean HU error. As expected, the contrast between bone and soft-tissue in 2.5MV CBCT decreased compared with kV CBCT. Conclusion: On-board CBCT imaging with the new 2.5MV beam can effectively reduce metal artifacts, although with a reduced softtissue contrast. Combination of kV and MV scanning may lead to metal artifact free CBCT images with uncompromised soft-tissue contrast.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-48: Automated Quality Assurance for XML Controlled Linacs

Purpose: To automate routine imaging QA procedures so that complying with TG 142 and TG 179 can be efficient and reliable. Methods: Two QA tests for a True Beam Linac were automatized. A Winston Lutz test as described by Lutz et al{sup 1} using the Winston Lutz test kit from BrainLab, Germany and a CBCT Image Quality test as described in TG 179 using the EMMA phantom, Siemens Medical Physics, Germany were performed in our True Beam. For each QA procedure tested, a 3 step paradigm was used. First, the data was automatically acquired using True Beam Developer Mode and XML scripting. Second, the data acquired in the first step was automatically processed using in-home grown Matlab GUIs. Third, Machine Learning algorithms were used to automatically classify the processed data and reports generated. Results: The Winston Luzt test could be performed by an experienced medical physicist in 29.0 ± 8.0 min. The same test, if automated using our paradigm, could be performed in 3.0 ± 0.1 min. In the same lieu, time could be substantially saved for image quality tests. In this case, the amount of time saved will depend on the phantoms used and the initial localization method. Additionally, machine learning algorithms could automatically identify the roots of the problems if any and possibly help reduce machine down time. Conclusion: Modern linear accelerators are equipped with advanced 2D and 3D imaging that are used for patient alignment substantially improving IGRT protocols. However, this extra complexity exponentially increases the number of QA tests needed. Using the new paradigm described above, not only bare minimum but best practice QA programs could be implemented with the same manpower. This work is supported by Varian, Palo Alto, CA.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-227: Least Restrictive Assignment of Dose-Distance Differences (LRAD) in IMRT On a Conventional Linac

Purpose: To develop a method to compare dose distributions based on the least restrictive of dose and distance differences, and to evaluate the method for IMRT QA on a conventional linac. Methods: Lrad is defined as the least restrictive of the dose difference at each point in the distributions being compared (%D), with dose normalized by the same factor, and the distance to agreement (DTA in millimeters), limited to directions parallel and perpendicular to MLC motion. If %D<%Do, Lrad=%D. Otherwise, if L=%D/DTA>Lo, Lrad=DTA, else Lrad=%D. Lrad fails at any point when Lrad>DTAo or Lrad>%Do. We compared LRAD (Lo=1%/mm, DTAo=2mm, %Do=2%) with Gamma index tool (2%/2mm pass/fail criteria) for IMRT QA with 2D detector arrays. Dose distribution measured for 6 MV and 18 MV x-rays for various field sizes and shapes, including 6 IMRT plans, were compared to measurements made with output, beam flatness, beam symmetry, MLC leaf positions, and detector array translation and rotation adjusted at up to twice published acceptable tolerance. Results: LRAD was more effective than Gamma in detecting a 2% drift in output (dose per monitor unit), 1–2 mm drifts in MLC leaf position for 1–8 leaves in the field, and beam flatness and symmetry drifts that resulted in a 3% change in the off-axis ratio. LRAD and Gamma were equally effective for larger output changes and for detector translations and rotations. For all ∼400 measurements performed, LRAD detected 78% of the error and Gamma detected 52% of the errors. By using a color scale to display dose differences and grey scale for spatial errors, the reason for failure was self evident, whether it be beam or mechanical changes. Conclusion: LRAD proved to be advantageous in its ability to detect and distinguish between realistic changes in beam and mechanical settings in comparison to the Gamma Index.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-355: A Comparative Study of Robotic and Linac-Based Stereotactitc Body Radiation Therapy for Lumbar Spinal Tumors

Purpose: Dosimetrically compare CyberKnife (CK) and linac-based (LB) stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) plans for lumbar spine. Methods: Ten patient plans with lumbar spine tumors treated with CK were selected and retrospectively optimized using three techniques: CK, volumetric modulated arc (VMAT, three arcs), and 9-field-intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). For the LB plans, the target volume was expanded by 1mm to accommodate additional uncertainty in patient positioning. All plans were optimized to a prescription dose of 27Gy in 3 fractions covering 90% of the PTV. If the dose constraints to the cauda equina (cauda) were not met, the prescription dose was lowered to 24Gy. Parameters evaluated included Paddick Conformity-Index (CI) and Gradient-Index (GI). A two-tailed paired t-test was used to establish statistically significant differences in cauda doses. Results: Target volumes for LB plans were on average 38% larger. In terms of the indices, the closer the index values to unity the steeper the dose falloff and the higher the dose conformity to the target. The results showed that LB plans were in general statistically superior to CK plans. The IMRT plan showed the best average gradient index of 2.995, with VMAT and CK GI values of 3.699 and 5.476, respectively. Similarly, the same trend occurs with the average CI results: 0.821, 0.814, and 0.758, corresponding to IMRT, VMAT, and CK. Notably, in one CK plan the target dose was reduced to 24Gy to meet cauda constraints. Additionally, there was a statistically significant dose difference for the cauda between the CK and LB plans. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that LB plans for lumbar spine SBRT can be as effective or even better than CK plans. Despite the expansion of the target volume, the LB plans did not demonstrate dosimetric inferiority. The LB plans Resultin 2-to-3 fold decrease of treatment time.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-533: Evaluation of Dose Calculation Accuracy for Small Elongated Targets On the Edge Linac

Purpose: To evaluate output factors and dose calculation accuracy on a novel SRS linear accelerator, the Edge (Varian), for treatments of small, elongated targets using flattening filter free (FFF) beam. Methods: Total scatter/output factors (OF’s) for 24 elongated, small, high definition multi-leaf collimator (HDMLC)-defined fields were measured on the Edge machine using 6X FFF beam. 3 detectors were used in water tank: CC01 ion chamber (active volume 10cc), stereotactic photon diode (SFD) (active diameter 0.6mm, active thickness 0.06mm), Edge detector (active volume 0.0019cc). The 24 MLC apertures have widths ranging from 5 to 20mm and length/width ratio from 0.25 to 5. Readings were cross calibrated with CC04 at field size 3×3 cm. A beam model was developed using commissioning measurements for treatment planning in Eclipse (AAA, version 11). One representative patient case (IMRT, target volume 0.2cc, 4×4×14mm) was calculated using AAA 11 and delivered on the Edge. Results: Due to volume averaging effects, CC01 readings were 11.2±0.9% lower than SFD readings for 5mm field sizes. The Edge diode showed a uniform over-response of 2.6±0.7% compared to SFD. Calculation using AAA v11 showed the best agreement with SFD measurements (2.4±1.7% lower than SFD). The largest difference between AAA v11 and SFD occurs at 5mm field sizes. For the patient plan, dose delivered on Edge was measured to be 2.2% higher than AAA v11 calculation. Conclusion: Cross-calibrated SFD output measurements presented the best agreement with commissioned AAA v11 beam model. Field sizes smaller than 1cm posed challenges to both the detectors and the calculation algorithm. For the representative patient with small elongated target, AAA v11 and measurements agreed within ~2% on the Edge linac. Although encouraging, a more comprehensive study is required to validate the overall algorithmic accuracy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-F-BRE-10: Methods to Simulate and Measure the Attenuation for Modeling a Couch Top with Rails for FFF Treatment Delivery On the Varian Edge Linac

Purpose: To measure attenuation for modelling of the KVue Couchtop for 6X and 10X FFF SRS/SBRT treatment Methods: Treatment planning simulation studies were done using 6X FFF beams to estimate the dosimetric impact of KVue couchtops (including the Q-Fix IGRT [carbon fiber] and Calypso [nonconductive Kevlar material]) with a structure model obtained from a research workstation (Eclipse, advanced planning interface (API) v13). Prior to installation on the Varian Edge linac, the couchtop along with (Kevlar) rails were CT scanned with the rails at various positions. An additional scan with the couchtop 15cm above the CT table top was obtained with 20cm solid water to facilitate precised/indexed data acquisition. Measurements for attenuation were obtained for field sizes of 2, 4 and 10 cm{sup 2} at 42 gantry angles including 6 pairs of opposing fields and other angles for oblique delivery where the beams traversed the couchtop and or rails. The delivery was fully automated with xml scripts running in developer mode. The results were then used to determine an accurate structure model for AAA (Eclipse v11) planning of IMRT and RapidArc delivery. Results: The planning simulation relative dose attenuation for oblique entry was not significantly different than the Exact IGRT or BrainLab iBeam couch except that the rails added 6% additional attenuation. The relative attenuation measurements for PA, PA (rails: inner position), oblique, oblique (rails: outer position), oblique (rails: inner position) were: −2.0%, −2.5%, −15.6%, −2.5%, −5.0% for 6X FFF and −1.4%, −1.5%, −12.2%, − 2.5%, −5.0% for 10X FFF with slight decrease in attenuation versus field size. A Couch structure model (with HU values) was developed. Calculation compared to measurement showed good agreement except for oblique (rails: outer position) where differences approached a magnitude of 6%. Conclusion: A model of the couch structures has been developed accounting for attenuation for FFF beams.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

WE-G-17A-07: Investigation of the Influence of the Electron Return Effect (ERE) On the Dose Distribution in Rectal Cancer Patients On a 1.5T MR-Linac

Purpose: The purpose of this planning study is to investigate the influence of the ERE on the day-to-day dose distribution in rectal cancer patients, where changes in gas-pockets frequently occur. Methods: Daily CT scans of 5 patients treated neo-adjuvant with 5x5Gy for rectal cancer were used. We optimized two plans on the planning CT (Monaco, 1 mm3 dosegrid), a conventional 7-field 6MV IMRT plan (Dconv) and a plan in the presence of a 1.5T field (Dmrl). We recalculated the plans on all repeat-CT scans and evaluated under/over-dosage of the daily CTVs. Changes of more than 1% were considered significant. In the bowel area, we investigated the relative dose changes due to the ERE, where the contribution of the ERE was separated from other effects such as attenuation. Results: Both plans were comparable and compliant with ICRU 62 for all patients. For 2 fractions in one patient under-dosage in the CTV was significant, due to a disappearing gas-pocket. Here the V95 was 96.82 and 97.36% in in Dmrl compared to 98.85 and 98.66% in Dconv, respectively. For 3 fractions in another patient appearing gas-pockets resulted in significant over-dosage of the CTV. In these fractions the V107 was 1.88–2.68% in Dmrl compared to 0.33–1.27% in Dconv. In the bowel area the dose changes attributable to the ERE were approximately ± 5% in 1cc, at low dose levels. Conclusion: We were able to calculate acceptable treatment plans with and without a magnetic field. The ERE was present in the Dmrl, but the volumetric effect within the CTV was limited. Outside the CTV relative dose differences were similar, but on small volumes at lower, less relevant dose levels. This suggests that there is no clinical relevant ERE on dose distributions in rectal cancer patients on a 1.5T MR-Linac.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Poster — Thur Eve — 57: Evaluation of laryngeal mucosal dose with conventional linac and TomoTherapy

The purpose of this study was to examine whether or not underdosing occurs in the mucosal layer during treatment of glottis cancer. A larynx phantom was produced and regions at risk of recurrence due to suspected underdosing were identified and wells drilled into the phantom for flush placement of TLDs. Seven interest points were chosen. CT simulation was completed prior to the wells being drilled, and again afterwards with the TLD locations indicated using BBs. Treatment plans created for this investigation included: 3DCRT using Elekta-XiO (n=9) and VMAT created using Elekta-Monaco (n=9), both delivered on an Elekta linac; standard TomoTherapy plan (n=11) and a directionally blocked TomoTherapy plan to approximate a 3D-conformal approach (n=5). Imaging dose during TomoTherapy deliveries was accounted for. The average TLD result at each interest point was compared to the planned value using a paired t-test. There was no significant difference between the planned and measured 3DCRT dose (268.9 vs. 267.0 cGy, respectively; p>0.05). Similarly, the planned and measured TomoTherapy treatment did not show any significant differences (271.7 vs 269.7 cGy; p>0.05). In the blocked TomoTherapy plan, significant overdosing was seen (274.5 vs 294.9 cGy; p<0.05) and underdosing was not seen in the VMAT treatment (303.5 vs 321.8 cGy; p>0.05). Further investigation is ongoing to ensure appropriate normalization of results and to investigate the overdosing noted with the blocked TomoTherapy plan. Results from this study suggest that significant underdosing does not occur in the conventional treatment of early glottic cancer using 6MV photons.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Sci—Fri PM: Topics — 05: Experience with linac simulation software in a teaching environment

Medical linear accelerator education is usually restricted to use of academic textbooks and supervised access to accelerators. To facilitate the learning process, simulation software was developed to reproduce the effect of medical linear accelerator beam adjustments on resulting clinical photon beams. The purpose of this report is to briefly describe the method of operation of the software as well as the initial experience with it in a teaching environment. To first and higher orders, all components of medical linear accelerators can be described by analytical solutions. When appropriate calibrations are applied, these analytical solutions can accurately simulate the performance of all linear accelerator sub-components. Grouped together, an overall medical linear accelerator model can be constructed. Fifteen expressions in total were coded using MATLAB v 7.14. The program was called SIMAC. The SIMAC program was used in an accelerator technology course offered at our institution; 14 delegates attended the course. The professional breakdown of the participants was: 5 physics residents, 3 accelerator technologists, 4 regulators and 1 physics associate. The course consisted of didactic lectures supported by labs using SIMAC. At the conclusion of the course, eight of thirteen delegates were able to successfully perform advanced beam adjustments after two days of theory and use of the linac simulator program. We suggest that this demonstrates good proficiency in understanding of the accelerator physics, which we hope will translate to a better ability to understand real world beam adjustments on a functioning medical linear accelerator.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗