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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

SU-C-304-01: Investigation of Various Detector Response Functions and Their Geometry Dependence in a Novel Method to Address Ion Chamber Volume Averaging Effect

Purpose: A novel convolution-based approach has been proposed to address ion chamber (IC) volume averaging effect (VAE) for the commissioning of commercial treatment planning systems (TPS). We investigate the use of various convolution kernels and its impact on the accuracy of beam models. Methods: Our approach simulates the VAE by iteratively convolving the calculated beam profiles with a detector response function (DRF) while optimizing the beam model. At convergence, the convolved profiles match the measured profiles, indicating the calculated profiles match the “true” beam profiles. To validate the approach, beam profiles of an Elekta LINAC were repeatedly collected with ICs of various volumes (CC04, CC13 and SNC 125) to obtain clinically acceptable beam models. The TPS-calculated profiles were convolved externally with the DRF of respective IC. The beam model parameters were reoptimized using Nelder-Mead method by forcing the convolved profiles to match the measured profiles. We evaluated three types of DRFs (Gaussian, Lorentzian, and parabolic) and the impact of kernel dependence on field geometry (depth and field size). The profiles calculated with beam models were compared with SNC EDGE diode-measured profiles. Results: The method was successfully implemented with Pinnacle Scripting and Matlab. The reoptimization converged in ∼10 minutes. For all tested ICs and DRFs, penumbra widths of the TPS-calculated profiles and diode-measured profiles were within 1.0 mm. Gaussian function had the best performance with mean penumbra width difference within 0.5 mm. The use of geometry dependent DRFs showed marginal improvement, reducing the penumbra width differences to less than 0.3 mm. Significant increase in IMRT QA passing rates was achieved with the optimized beam model. Conclusion: The proposed approach significantly improved the accuracy of the TPS beam model. Gaussian functions as the convolution kernel performed consistently better than Lorentzian and parabolic functions. Further improvement of using geometry-dependent kernels was marginal.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

TU-H-BRA-08: The Design and Characteristics of a Novel Compact Linac-Based MRI Guided Radiation Therapy (MR-IGRT) System

Purpose: To describe the design and characteristics of a novel linac-based MRI guided radiation therapy system that addresses RF and magnetic field interference and that can be housed in conventional radiotherapy vaults. Methods: The MR-IGRT system will provide simultaneous MR imaging combined with both simple (3D) and complex (IMRT, SBRT, SRS) techniques. The system is a combination of a) double-donut split solenoidal superconducting 0.345T MRI; and b) a 90 cm isocenter ring-gantry mounted 6MV, flattening filter-free linac coupled with a stacked doubly-focused multileaf collimator with 4 mm resolution. A novel RF shielding and absorption technology was developed to isolate the beam generating RF emissions from the MR, while a novel magnetic shielding sleeve system was developed to place the magnetic field-sensitive components in low-magnetic field regions. The system design produces high spatial resolution radiation beams with state-of-the art radiation dose characteristics and simultaneous MR imaging. Results: Prototype testing with a spectrum analyzer has demonstrated complete elimination of linac RF inside the treatment room. The magnetic field inside of the magnetic shielding was well below the specification, allowing the linear accelerator to operate normally. A novel on-gantry shimming system maintained < 25 ppm magnetic field homogeneity over a 45 cm spherical field of view for all gantry angles. Conclusion: The system design demonstrates the feasibility coupling a state-of-the art linac system with a 0.345T MRI, enabling highly conformal radiation therapy with simultaneous MR image guidance. S. Mutic’s employer (Washington University) has grant with ViewRay; D. Low is former ViewRay scientific advisory board member (ended October 2015); T. Chmielewski, G. Fought, M. Hernandez, I. Kawrakow, A. Sharma, S. Shvartsman, J. Dempsey are employees of ViewRay with stock options (Dempsey has leadership role and Dempsey/Kawrakow have stock).

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-D-BRE-02: Development and Commissioning of A Gated Spot Scanning Proton Beam Therapy System with Real-Time Tumor-Tracking

Purpose: A novel Proton Beam Therapy system has been developed by integrating Real-Time Tumor-Tracking (RTRT) and discrete spot scanning techniques. The system dedicated for spot scanning delivers significant advantages for both clinical and economical points of view. The system has the ability to control dose distribution with spot scanning beams and to gate the beams from the synchrotron to irradiate moving tumors only when the actual positions of them are within the planned position. Methods: The newly designed system consists of a synchrotron, beam transport systems, a compact and rotating gantry system with robotic couch and two orthogonal sets of X-ray fluoroscopes. The fully compact design of the system has been realized by reducing the maximum energy of the beam to 220MeV, corresponding to 30g/cm2 range and the number of circulating protons per synchrotron operation cycle, due to higher beam utilization efficiency in spot scanning. To improve the irradiation efficiency in the integration of RTRT and spot scanning, a new control system has been developed to enable multiple gated irradiation per operation cycle according to the gating signals. After the completion of the equipment installation, beam tests and commissioning has been successfully performed. Results: The basic performances and beam characteristics through the synchrotron accelerator to iso-center have been confirmed and the performance test of the irradiation nozzle and whole system has been appropriately completed. CBCT image has been checked and sufficient quality was obtained. RTRT system has been demonstrated and realized accurate dose distributions for moving targets. Conclusion: The gated spot scanning Proton Beam Therapy system with Real-Time Tumor-Tracking has been developed, successfully installed and tested. The new system enables us to deliver higher dose to the moving target tumors while sparing surrounding normal tissues and to realize the compact design of the system and facility by maximizing the efficiency of proton beam utilization. This research is granted by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS) through the “Funding Program for World-Leading Innovative R and D on Science and Technology(FIRST Program)”, initiated by the Council for Science and Technology Policy(CSTP)

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

WE-G-18A-02: Calibration-Free Combined KV/MV Short Scan CBCT

Purpose: To combine orthogonal kilo-voltage (kV) and Mega-voltage (MV) projection data for short scan cone-beam CT to reduce imaging time on current radiation treatment systems, using a calibration-free gain correction method. Methods: Combining two orthogonal projection data sets for kV and MV imaging hardware can reduce the scan angle to as small as 110° (90°+fan) such that the total scan time is ∼18 seconds, or within a breath hold. To obtain an accurate reconstruction, the MV projection data is first linearly corrected using linear regression using the redundant data from the start and end of the sinogram, and then the combined data is reconstructed using the FDK method. To correct for the different changes of attenuation coefficients in kV/MV between soft tissue and bone, the forward projection of the segmented bone and soft tissue from the first reconstruction in the redundant region are added to the linear regression model. The MV data is corrected again using the additional information from the segmented image, and combined with kV for a second FDK reconstruction. We simulated polychromatic 120 kVp (conventional a-Si EPID with CsI) and 2.5 MVp (prototype high-DQE MV detector) projection data with Poisson noise using the XCAT phantom. The gain correction and combined kV/MV short scan reconstructions were tested with head and thorax cases, and simple contrast-to-noise ratio measurements were made in a low-contrast pattern in the head. Results: The FDK reconstruction using the proposed gain correction method can effectively reduce artifacts caused by the differences of attenuation coefficients in the kV/MV data. The CNRs of the short scans for kV, MV, and kV/MV are 5.0, 2.6 and 3.4 respectively. The proposed gain correction method also works with truncated projections. Conclusion: A novel gain correction and reconstruction method was developed to generate short scan CBCT from orthogonal kV/MV projections. This work is supported by NIH Grant 5R01CA138426-05.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

A comparison of postimplant dosimetry for {sup 103}Pd versus {sup 131}Cs seeds on a retrospective series of PBSI patients

Purpose: Permanent breast seed implantation (PBSI) is an accelerated partial breast irradiation technique performed using stranded {sup 103}Pd radioactive seeds (average energy of 21 keV, 16.97 day half-life). Since 2004, {sup 131}Cs brachytherapy sources have become clinically available. The {sup 131}Cs radionuclide has a higher energy (average energy of 30 keV) and a shorter half-life (9.7 days) than {sup 103}Pd. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not there are dosimetric benefits to using {sup 131}Cs brachytherapy seeds for PBSI. Methods: The prescribed dose for PBSI using {sup 103}Pd is 90 Gy, which was adjusted for {sup 131}Cs implants to account for the shorter half-life. A retrospective cohort of 30 patients, who have already undergone a {sup 103}Pd implant, was used for this study. The treatments were planned using the Variseed treatment planning system. The air kerma strength of the {sup 131}Cs seeds was adjusted in all preimplantation treatment plans so that the V{sub 100} (the volume within the target that receives 100% or more of the prescribed dose) were equivalent at time of implantation. Two month follow-up CT scans were available for all 30 patients and each patient was reevaluated using {sup 131}Cs seeds. The postimplant dosimetric parameters were compared using a two tailed t-test. Results: The prescribed dose for {sup 131}Cs was calculated to be 77 Gy; this dose would have the same biological effect as a PBSI implant with {sup 103}Pd of 90 Gy. The activities of the {sup 131}Cs sources were adjusted to an average of 2.2 {+-} 0.8 U for {sup 131}Cs compared to 2.5 {+-} 1.1 U for {sup 103}Pd in order to get an equivalent V{sub 100} as the {sup 103}Pd preimplants. While the use of {sup 131}Cs significantly reduces the preimplant V{sub 200} (the volume within the target that receives 200% or more of the prescribed dose) compared to {sup 103}Pd by 13.5 {+-} 9.0%, the reduction observed on the 2 month postimplant plan was 12.4 {+-} 5.1% which accounted for seed motion, implantation inaccuracies and tissue changes. This translates into an absolute reduction of 4.1 cm{sup 3} of tissue receiving 200% of the dose. Conclusions: This analysis of 30 early stage breast cancer patients who underwent the PBSI procedure shows that there is a theoretical dosimetric advantage to using {sup 131}Cs. However, in a realistic implant that will have seed misplacements and tissue changes, the use of {sup 131}Cs may not result in any clinically significant benefit.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2015

An in vivo dose verification method for SBRT–VMAT delivery using the EPID

Purpose: Radiation treatments have become increasingly more complex with the development of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). SBRT involves the delivery of substantially larger doses over fewer fractions than conventional therapy. SBRT–VMAT treatments will strongly benefit from in vivo patient dose verification, as any errors in delivery can be more detrimental to the radiobiology of the patient as compared to conventional therapy. Electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) are available on most commercial linear accelerators (Linacs) and their documented use for dosimetry makes them valuable tools for patient dose verification. In this work, the authors customize and validate a physics-based model which utilizes on-treatment EPID images to reconstruct the 3D dose delivered to the patient during SBRT–VMAT delivery. Methods: The SBRT Linac head, including jaws, multileaf collimators, and flattening filter, were modeled using Monte Carlo methods and verified with measured data. The simulation provides energy spectrum data that are used by their “forward” model to then accurately predict fluence generated by a SBRT beam at a plane above the patient. This fluence is then transported through the patient and then the dose to the phosphor layer in the EPID is calculated. Their “inverse” model back-projects the EPID measured focal fluence to a plane upstream of the patient and recombines it with the extra-focal fluence predicted by the forward model. This estimate of total delivered fluence is then forward projected onto the patient’s density matrix and a collapsed cone convolution algorithm calculates the dose delivered to the patient. The model was tested by reconstructing the dose for two prostate, three lung, and two spine SBRT–VMAT treatment fractions delivered to an anthropomorphic phantom. It was further validated against actual patient data for a lung and spine SBRT–VMAT plan. The results were verified with the treatment planning system (TPS) (ECLIPSE AAA) dose calculation. Results: The SBRT–VMAT reconstruction model performed very well when compared to the TPS. A stringent 2%/2 mm χ-comparison calculation gave pass rates better than 91% for the prostate plans, 88% for the lung plans, and 86% for the spine plans for voxels containing 80% or more of the prescribed dose. Patient data were 86% for the lung and 95% for the spine. A 3%/3 mm χ-comparison was also performed and gave pass rates better than 93% for all plan types. Conclusions: The authors have customized and validated a robust, physics-based model that calculates the delivered dose to a patient for SBRT–VMAT delivery using on-treatment EPID images. The accuracy of the results indicates that this approach is suitable for clinical implementation. Future work will incorporate this model into both offline and real-time clinical adaptive radiotherapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Sensitivity of a Subject-specific Ankle Sprain Simulation to Extrinsic Versus Intrinsic Biomechanical Factors

Ankle sprains are the most common musculoskeletal injury in sport and military activity, despite existing prophylactic strategies. The purpose of this report was to develop a probabilistic simulation of lateral ankle sprains during single-limb drop landing, towards accelerating innovation in ankle sprain prevention. A deterministic, subject-specific musculoskeletal model was extended with automation and probabilistic distributions on sprain-related biomechanical factors. Probabilistic simulations were generated using traditional Monte Carlo techniques and the advanced mean value method, a more computationally-efficient approach. Predicted distributions of peak ankle joint rotations, velocities, and moments borne by supporting passive structures agreed favorably with the deterministic model and with reports of real sprain biomechanics. Parameter sensitivities identified that predictions were most strongly influenced by drop height, subtalar joint posture at contact, invertor/evertor co-activation, and passive ankle stiffness. The advanced mean value method predicted confidence bounds comparable to a 1000-trial Monte Carlo simulation, and required only 14 model evaluations and 4-min processing time. The extended probabilistic simulation may be useful to virtually test new prophylactic strategies for ankle sprains, and is made available for open-source use (https://simtk.org/projects/sprain-sim).

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Optimization and testing results of Zr-bearing ferritic steels

The mission of the Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET) program is to develop crosscutting technologies for nuclear energy applications. Advanced structural materials with superior performance at elevated temperatures are always desired for nuclear reactors, which can improve reactor economics, safety margins, and design flexibility. They benefit not only new reactors, including advanced light water reactors (LWRs) and fast reactors such as sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) that is primarily designed for management of high-level wastes, but also life extension of the existing fleet when component exchange is needed. Developing and utilizing the modern materials science tools (experimental, theoretical, and computational tools) is an important path to more efficient alloy development and process optimization. Ferritic-martensitic (FM) steels are important structural materials for nuclear reactors due to their advantages over other applicable materials like austenitic stainless steels, notably their resistance to void swelling, low thermal expansion coefficients, and higher thermal conductivity. However, traditional FM steels exhibit a noticeable yield strength reduction at elevated temperatures above ~500°C, which limits their applications in advanced nuclear reactors which target operating temperatures at 650°C or higher. Although oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) ferritic steels have shown excellent high-temperature performance, their extremely high cost, limited size and fabricability of products, as well as the great difficulty with welding and joining, have limited or precluded their commercial applications. Zirconium has shown many benefits to Fe-base alloys such as grain refinement, improved phase stability, and reduced radiation-induced segregation. The ultimate goal of this project is, with the aid of computational modeling tools, to accelerate the development of a new generation of Zr-bearing ferritic alloys to be fabricated using conventional steelmaking practices, which have excellent radiation resistance and enhanced high-temperature creep performance greater than Grade 91.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2010

Characterization of a multi-axis ion chamber array

Purpose: The aim of this work was to characterize a multi-axis ion chamber array (IC PROFILER; Sun Nuclear Corporation, Melbourne, FL USA) that has the potential to simplify the acquisition of LINAC beam data. Methods: The IC PROFILER (or panel) measurement response was characterized with respect to radiation beam properties, including dose, dose per pulse, pulse rate frequency (PRF), and energy. Panel properties were also studied, including detector-calibration stability, power-on time, backscatter dependence, and the panel's agreement with water tank measurements [profiles, fractional depth dose (FDD), and output factors]. Results: The panel's relative deviation was typically within ({+-}) 1% of an independent (or nominal) response for all properties that were tested. Notable results were (a) a detectable relative field shape change of {approx}1% with linear accelerator PRF changes; (b) a large range in backscatter thickness had a minimal effect on the measured dose distribution (typically less than 1%); (c) the error spread in profile comparison between the panel and scanning water tank (Blue Phantom, CC13; IBA Schwarzenbruck, DE) was approximately ({+-}) 0.75%. Conclusions: The ability of the panel to accurately reproduce water tank profiles, FDDs, and output factors is an indication of its abilities as a dosimetry system. The benefits of using the panel versus a scanning water tank are less setup time and less error susceptibility. The same measurements (including device setup and breakdown) for both systems took 180 min with the water tank versus 30 min with the panel. The time-savings increase as the measurement load is increased.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Initial Radiation of Nuclear Power Plant Components (CRADA NFE-17-06892 Final Report)

As advanced reactor concepts are developed, instrumentation and control (I&C) cables and sensors will play a significant role in assuring their operation is well understood, and safety-related process information can be collected reliably over the course of their design life. As a first step to develop acceptance criteria and define the limits of currently available nuclear I&C cable and sensor technology, a collaboration between Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Analysis and Measurement Services (AMS) Corporation was initiated under the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) Program. This collaborative effort focused on providing technical information related to the combined thermal and radiation aging of nuclear power plant (NPP) cables, companion NPP cable insulation samples, and two prototype temperature and two pressure sensors. This work was carried out using the instrumented gamma irradiation system that is part of the High Flux Isotope Reactor Gamma Irradiation Facility (HFIR GIF). This system provided the opportunity for the condition of the prototype sensors to be tracked during the irradiation in order to determine their functional limits with greater granularity when compared to a simple irradiation insertion at the HFIRGIF. Experimental assemblies for sensor irradiation were successfully completed, and sensor irradiation to accumulated dose of 3000 kGy at a rate of approximately 6 kGy/hr was carried out. Two prototype temperature assemblies were continuously monitored during exposure to 3000 kGy and found to have no observable degradation from the irradiation. Two pressure sensors were first irradiated to 1000 kGy. At which point, one of the sensors was found to operate normally; however, a second sensor failed the operability test. The operable pressure sensor output was then continuously monitored from 1000 kGy to 3000 kGy. The sensor output exhibited steady trendable drift versus the accumulated radiation dose. At the conclusion of the irradiation, the four test sensors were released for laboratory calibration checks. The calibration check of the temperature sensors found no significant change after irradiation compared to baseline measurements before irradiation; however, both pressure sensors failed the post-test calibration checks and both sensors were not functioning properly. These results will help inform sensor manufacturers and I&C design engineers of potential limitations of these types of sensors for use in high radiation environments associated with the compact configuration of new Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) such as NuScale’s reactor power module. Irradiations on NPP cables and companion samples were not completed due to programmatic delays, however a path forward that was based on lessons learned from this project was defined to accommodate future, comparable instrumented gamma irradiations at the HFIR GIF.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Beyond the classical kinetic model for chronic graphite oxidation by moisture in high temperature gas-cooled reactors

Four grades of nuclear graphite with various microstructures were subjected to accelerated oxidation tests in helium with traces of moisture and hydrogen in order to evaluate the effects of chronic oxidation on graphite components in high temperature gas cooled reactors. Kinetic analysis showed that the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (LH) model cannot consistently reproduce all results. In particular, at high temperatures and water partial pressures oxidation was always faster than the LH model predicts, with stronger deviations for superfine grain graphite than for medium grain grades. It was also found empirically that the apparent reaction order for water has a sigmoid-type variation with temperature which follows the integral Boltzmann distribution function. This suggests that the apparent activation with temperature of graphite reactive sites that causes deviations from the LH model is rooted in specific structural and electronic properties of surface sites on graphite. A semi-global kinetic model was proposed, whereby the classical LH model was modified with a temperature-dependent reaction order for water. The new Boltzmann-enhanced model (BLH) was shown to consistently predict experimental oxidation rates over large ranges of temperature (800-1100 oC) and partial pressures of water (3-1200 Pa) and hydrogen (0-300 Pa), not only for the four grades of graphite but also for the historic grade H-451. The BLH model offers as more reliable input for modeling the chemical environment effects during the life-time operation of new grades of graphite in advanced nuclear reactors operating at high and very high temperatures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-F-BRA-12: End-User Oriented Tools and Procedures for Testing Brachytherapy TPSs Employing MBDCAs

Purpose: To develop user-oriented tools for commissioning and dosimetry testing of {sup 192}Ir brachytherapy treatment planning systems (TPSs) employing model based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs). Methods: A software tool (BrachyGuide) has been developed for the automatic generation of MCNP6 input files from any CT based plan exported in DICOM RT format from Elekta and Varian TPSs. BrachyGuide also facilitates the evaluation of imported Monte Carlo (MC) and TPS dose distributions in terms of % dose differences and gamma index (CT overlaid colormaps or relative frequency plots) as well as DVHs and related indices. For users not equipped to perform MC, a set of computational models was prepared in DICOM format, accompanied by treatment plans and corresponding MCNP6 generated reference data. BrachyGuide can then be used to compare institutional and reference data as per TG186. The model set includes a water sphere with the MBDCA WG {sup 192}Ir source placed centrically and in two eccentric positions, a water sphere with cubic bone and lung inhomogeneities and a five source dwells plan, and a patient equivalent model with an Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) plan. Results: The tools developed were used for the dosimetry testing of the Acuros and ACE MBDCAs implemented in BrachyVision v.13 and Oncentra Brachy v.4.5, respectively. Findings were consistent with previous results in the literature. Besides points close to the source dwells, Acuros was found to agree within type A uncertainties with the reference MC results. Differences greater than MC type A uncertainty were observed for ACE at distances >5cm from the source dwells and in bone. Conclusion: The tools developed are efficient for brachytherapy MBDCA planning commissioning and testing. Since they are appropriate for distribution over the web, they will be put at the AAPM WG MBDCA’s disposal. Research co-financed by the ESF and Greek funds. NSRF operational Program: Education and Lifelong Learning Investing in Knowledge Society-Aristeia. Varian Medical Systems and Nucletron, an Elekta company provided access to TPSs for research purposes. Miss Peppa was supported by IKY-fellowships of excellence for postgraduate studies in Greece,Siemens Program.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-T-405: Evaluation of the Raystation Electron Monte Carlo Algorithm for Varian Linear Accelerators

Purpose: To evaluate the Raystation v4.51 Electron Monte Carlo algorithm for Varian Trilogy, IX and 2100 series linear accelerators and commission for clinical use. Methods: Seventy two water and forty air scans were acquired with a water tank in the form of profiles and depth doses, as requested by vendor. Data was imported into Rayphysics beam modeling module. Energy spectrum was modeled using seven parameters. Contamination photons were modeled using five parameters. Source phase space was modeled using six parameters. Calculations were performed in clinical version 4.51 and percent depth dose curves and profiles were extracted to be compared to water tank measurements. Sensitivity tests were performed for all parameters. Grid size and particle histories were evaluated per energy for statistical uncertainty performance. Results: Model accuracy for air profiles is poor in the shoulder and penumbra region. However, model accuracy for water scans is acceptable. All energies and cones are within 2%/2mm for 90% of the points evaluated. Source phase space parameters have a cumulative effect. To achieve distributions with satisfactory smoothness level a 0.1cm grid and 3,000,000 particle histories were used for commissioning calculations. Calculation time was approximately 3 hours per energy. Conclusion: Raystation electron Monte Carlo is acceptable for clinical use for the Varian accelerators listed. Results are inferior to Elekta Electron Monte Carlo modeling. Known issues were reported to Raysearch and will be resolved in upcoming releases. Auto-modeling is limited to open cone depth dose curves and needs expansion.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Dependence of diode sensitivity on the pulse rate of delivered radiation

Purpose: It has been reported that diode sensitivity decreases by as much as 2% when the average dose rate set at the accelerator console was decreased from 600 to 40 MU/min. No explanation was given for this effect in earlier publications. This work is a detailed investigation of this phenomenon: the change of diode sensitivity versus the rate of delivery of dose pulses in the milliseconds and seconds range. Methods: X-ray beams used in this work had nominal energies of 6 and 15 MV and were generated by linear accelerators. The average dose rate was varied from 25 to 600 MU/min, which corresponded to time between microsecond-long dose pulses of 60-2.7 ms, respectively. The dose-per-pulse, dpp, was changed by positioning the detector at different source-to-detector distance. A variety of diodes fabricated by a number of manufacturers were tested in this work. Also, diodes in three different MapCHECKs (Sun Nuclear, Melbourne, FL) were tested. Results: For all diodes tested, the diode sensitivity decreases as the average dose rate is decreased, which corresponds to an increase in the pulse period, the time between radiation pulses. A sensitivity decrease as large as 5% is observed for a 60-ms pulse period. The diode sensitivity versus the pulse period is modeled by an empirical exponential function. This function has a fitting parameter, t{sub eff}, defined as the effective lifetime. The values of t{sub eff} were found to be 1.0-14 s, among the various diodes. For all diodes tested, t{sub eff} decreases as the dpp decreases and is greater for 15 MV than for 6 MV x rays. The decrease in diode sensitivity after 20 s without radiation can be reversed by as few as 60 radiation pulses. Conclusions: A decrease in diode sensitivity occurs with a decrease in the average dose rate, which corresponds to an increase in the pulse period of radiation. The sensitivity decrease is modeled by an empirical exponential function that decreases with an effective lifetime, t{sub eff}, of 1.0-14 s. t{sub eff} varies widely for different diodes, dpp, and x-ray energy. It is hypothesized that the capture of excess minority carriers by charge traps, cause the observed decrease in diode sensitivity. Also, it is hypothesized that the slow reopening of these traps occurs in the hundreds of milliseconds to seconds range at ambient temperature and this underlies the slow decrease in the diode sensitivity. Calibration of a diode is best done at the average dose rate with which it will be used. This is easily accomplished for radiation deliveries in which the average dose rate is a constant. However, for a VMAT delivery the average dose rate is a variable. For measurements made under these conditions diodes can be calibrated with a median or average dose rate which splits the difference in diode sensitivity that is known to occur with changes in average dose rate.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-J-156: Preclinical Inverstigation of Dynamic Tumor Tracking Using Vero SBRT Linear Accelerator: Motion Phantom Dosimetry Study

Purpose: Following the ‘end-to-end testing’ paradigm of Dynamic Target Tracking option in our Image-Guided dedicated SBRT VeroTM linac, we verify the capability of the system to deliver planned dose to moving targets in the heterogeneous thorax phantom (CIRSTM). The system includes gimbaled C-band linac head, robotic 6 degree of freedom couch and a tumor tracking method based on predictive modeling of target position using fluoroscopically tracked implanted markers and optically tracked infrared reflecting external markers. Methods: 4DCT scan of the motion phantom with the VisicoilTM implanted marker in the close vicinity of the target was acquired, the ‘exhale’=most prevalent phase was used for planning (iPlan by BrainLabTM). Typical 3D conformal SBRT treatment plans aimed to deliver 6-8Gy/fx to two types of targets: a)solid water-equivalent target 3cm in diameter; b)single VisicoilTM marker inserted within lung equivalent material. The planning GTV/CTV-to-PTV margins were 2mm, the block margins were 3 mm. The dose calculated by MonteCarlo algorithm with 1% variance using option Dose-to-water was compared to the ion chamber (CC01 by IBA Dosimetry) measurements in case (a) and GafchromicTM EBT3 film measurements in case (b). During delivery, the target 6 motion patterns available as a standard on CIRSTM motion phantom were investigated: in case (a), the target was moving along the designated sine or cosine4 3D trajectory; in case (b), the inserted marker was moving sinusoidally in 1D. Results: The ion chamber measurements have shown the agreement with the planned dose within 1% under all the studied motion conditions. The film measurements show 98.1% agreement with the planar calculated dose (gamma criteria: 3%/3mm). Conclusion: We successfully verified the capability of the SBRT VeroTM linac to perform real-time tumor tracking and accurate dose delivery to the target, based on predictive modeling of the correlation between implanted marker motion and external surrogate of breathing motion.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-T-203: Comparison of a Commercial MRI-Linear Accelerator Based Monte Carlo Dose Calculation Algorithm and Geant4

Purpose: An MRI-linear accelerator is currently being developed by the vendor Elekta™. The treatment planning system that will be used to model dose for this unit uses a Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm, GPUMCD, that allows for the application of a magnetic field. We tested this radiation transport code against an independent Monte-Carlo toolkit Geant4 (v.4.10.01) both with and without the magnetic field applied. Methods: The setup comprised a 6 MeV mono-energetic photon beam emerging from a point source impinging on a homogeneous water phantom at 100 cm SSD. The comparisons were drawn from the percentage depth doses (PDD) for three different field sizes (1.5 x 1.5 cm{sup 2}, 5 x 5 cm{sup 2}, 10 x 10 cm{sup 2}) and dose profiles at various depths. A 1.5 T magnetic field was applied perpendicular to the direction of the beam. The transport thresholds were kept the same for both codes. Results: All of the normalized PDDs and profiles agreed within ± 1 %. In the presence of the magnetic field, PDDs rise more quickly reducing the depth of maximum dose. Near the beam exit point in the phantom a hot spot is created due to the electron return effect. This effect is more pronounced for the larger field sizes. Profiles selected parallel to the external field show no effect, however, the ones selected perpendicular to the direction of the applied magnetic field are shifted towards the direction of the Lorentz force applied by the magnetic field on the secondary electrons. It is observed that these profiles are not symmetric which indicates a lateral build up of the dose. Conclusion: There is a good general agreement between the PDDs/profiles calculated by both algorithms thus far. We are proceeding towards clinically relevant comparisons in a heterogeneous phantom for polyenergetic beams. Funding for this work has been provided by Elekta.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-J-44: Design a Platform and Phantom Model for Photoacoustic Imaging in Combination with CT

Purpose: Our (long-term) objective is to develop a US manipulator that will provide in situ radiation response and image-guided therapy for bladder cancer based on photoacoustic molecular imaging. Methods: A platform was devised to provide a reproducible positional frame of reference for targeting anatomic structure between MDCT and US scans, in lieu of CBCT, and to fuse photoacoustic molecular imaging. US and photoacoustic scans are taken of a patient while in the CT scanner and IRMT. Through co-registration, based on anatomical positions, we identified a common coordinate system to be used in Eclipse. A bladder phantom was constructed to validate anatomical tracking via US and photoacoustic imaging. We tested the platform using phantom model to demonstrate validity once moved from the CT couch to the linear accelerator couch. Results: This platform interlocks with Varian exact couch index points for reproducibility of positioning. Construction from low Z material and sized appropriately to fit in CT/IMRT gantry. Error in conversion from cylindrical coordinates of the manipulator to X, Y, Z coordinates of the treatment couch was less than 1mm. We measured the bladder size in 3 different directions in both Eclipse from the CT and Acuson from US. The error was less than 2mm in all directions. CT and US images were co-registered in MATLAB. Co-registration of photoacoustic images is still being developed. Conclusion: For Linear Accelerators without on board imaging, MV portal images are not a viable option for the localization of soft tissue anatomy. We believe our manipulator provides an alternative using US imaging, which will be examined in an upcoming clinical trial. We plan to examine the value of hypoxia guided treatment through photoacoustic imaging during this trial.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Development of Algal Biomass Yield Improvements in an Integrated Process (Final Report)

This project built on the success of Global Algae Innovations Algae Biomass Yield Phase 1 project to accelerate the commercialization of algal biofuels through development of an integrated, economical, photosynthetic, open raceway system to produce algal oil. Two parallel pathways to a biofuel were investigated. In the algal crude oil pathway, highlighted in blue, the dewatered algal biomass slurry is used as a feed to hydrothermal liquefaction to produce an algae crude oil and recycle aqueous stream. In the algal lipid oil pathway, highlighted in green, the algal biomass slurry is dried, and the oil is extracted to produce an algal lipid oil biofuel intermediate and a high protein algae meal co-product. Upgrading to drop-in fuels has been demonstrated for the biofuel intermediates in both pathways. Since the algal lipid oil pathway requires lipid accumulation, the productivity is generally lower than the algal crude oil pathway, but the required productivity for economical algal biofuel production is also lower because the coproduct value is greater. The outdoor cultivation was performed at the Kauai Algae Farm. The project team has expertise across the full breadth strain development, advanced algal cultivation, open raceway contamination control, CO 2 supply, harvesting, dewatering, extraction, hydrothermal liquefaction, technoeconomic analysis and life cycle analysis: Hildebrand laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography – diatom strain development. Mayfield laboratory at UCSD - green algae strain development. TSD Management Associates- CO 2 supply, algal harvesting and dewatering, and algal drying and extraction. Qualitas - large-scale test site for algal harvesting technology. Texas A&M University - algal drying and extraction technology. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - hydrothermal liquefaction technology. GE Water and Power - membrane technology. National Renewable Energy Laboratory - algal techno-economic analysis. Phase 1 of the project resulted in tremendous productivity and pre-processing improvements in an integrated, large-scale, low-cost cultivation and pre-processing process that moved algal technology closer to economic viability for biofuels than ever before. Phase 2 accomplishments further facilitate development of a commercial algal biofuel industry by adding: several top performing strains and strain development tools including breeding; open-pond cultivation innovations that achieved a 30% improvement in overall productivity, an 83% reduction in cost, and a 95% reduction in energy use relative to conventional technology; further improvements in harvesting that led to the Zobi harvester ® as a universal, economical, low energy, commercially available microalgae harvesting solution; breakthroughs in drying and extraction including a new low energy drying process and several new low energy extraction unit operations that together with the Zobi harvester ® achieve a 90% reduction in cost and 97% reduction in energy use relative to conventional technology. These improvements are sufficient to enable economical production of algae biofuel and protein meal co-product if the process were scaled up to a commercial-scale 5,000-acre algae farm.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗