Single crystal diffraction assessment for the Optiflux radiosurgery system

Inleiding

In collaboration with technology partners from several high-tech sectors, we're developing a fundamentally novel radiation treatment principle whereby less damaging, sub-MeV X-ray beams are intersected precisely at the site of the tumor, sparing surrounding organs and offering greater precision.

Probleemstelling

The patient’s ability to bear radiation damage and side effects is the main limitation in successful cancer treatment and ultimately determines when a patient is considered “terminal.” A device that is both less damaging and more precise could help treat patients that are less radiation-tolerant, as well as shorten the total timespan of treatment. This offers a new perspective for (intractable) advanced, aggressive, diffuse, and pediatric cancers.

Technologie

The technology was discovered by the ESA, which sparked the commissioning of an innovative new type of space telescope (to be launched in 2031). Combining this technology with the lithography, mechatronics, and clinical expertise present in the Brainport region, we are likely able to turn this into a much less damaging radiotherapy system than the LINAC, Proton, and Gamma options that are currently used.

Doel van de studie

This feasibility study is aimed at assessing single crystals and their properties with respect to the system requirement on the desired X-ray beam geometry. Different properties of crystals such as:

• Quasi-mosaicity
• Curvature
• The Miller plane

will be assessed. The lens design and its manufacturability, enabled by single crystals selected, will be assessed and lead to the final system design.

Samenwerking

The work conducted during the project is separated between us and the external company Cosine Measurement Systems, which is an industrialization partner for the lens technology.