Monte Carlo modelling of pixel clusters in Timepix detectors using the MCNP code

Šolc, J.; Jakůbek, J.; Marek, Lukáš; Oancea, Cristina; Pivec, J.; Šmoldasová, Jana; Tesař, Jiří; Vykydal, Z.

doi:10.1016/j.ejmp.2022.08.002

Cited by 14 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 22 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…The resolution power for particle-event-type discrimination varies according to each specific sensor. The next steps include high-energy per-pixel calibration [13], Monte Carlo simulations [14], development of a model, and a technique to quantify the comparison and investigation of the detector response between sensors. Additional tests can be performed with laboratory radioisotopes with well-defined alpha particles and discrete X-rays and gamma rays.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spectral tracking of proton beams by the Timepix3 detector with GaAs, CdTe and Si sensors

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Position and directional-sensitive spectrometry of energetic charged particles can be performed with high resolution and wide dynamic range (energy, direction) with the hybrid semiconductor pixel detectors Timepix/Timepix3. The choice of semiconductor sensor material, thickness, and properties such as the reverse bias voltage, greatly determine detector sensitivity and resolving power for spectrometry and particle tracking. We investigated and evaluated the spectral tracking resolving power such as deposited energy and linear-energy-transfer (LET) spectra with the Timepix3 detector with different semiconductor sensors, based on GaAs:Cr, CdTe, and Si, using well-defined radiation sources in terms of radiation type (protons), energy, and incident direction to the detector sensor. Measurements of particle incident direction in a wide range were performed with collimated monoenergetic proton beams of various energies in the range 8–31 MeV at the U120-M cyclotron at the NPI CAS Rez near Prague. All detectors were per-pixel calibrated. This work enables to examine and perform a detailed study of charge sharing and charge collection efficiency in semiconductor sensors. The results serve to optimise the detector chip-sensor assembly configuration for measurements especially with high-LET particles in ion radiotherapy and outer space. The work underway includes evaluation of newly refined semi-insulating GaAs sensors and improved radiation hard semiconductor sensors SiC.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spectral tracking of proton beams by the Timepix3 detector with GaAs, CdTe and Si sensors

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…the geometric details of the gantry nozzle and the aluminum case of the detector were neglected. Also, the pixelated structure and charge-sharing effect (Campbell et al 2007, Bouchami et al 2011c, Teyssier et al 2012, Šolc et al 2022 occurring in the Timepix sensor were not included in the MC simulations. However, it is unlikely that these details have a substantial impact on the MC simulationʼs accuracy.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Single proton LET characterization with the Timepix detector and artificial intelligence for advanced proton therapy treatment planning

et al. 2023

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective: Protons have advantageous dose distributions and are increasingly used in cancer therapy. At the depth of the Bragg peak range, protons produce a mixed radiation field consisting of low- and high-linear energy transfer (LET) components, the latter of which is characterized by an increased ionization density on the microscopic scale associated with increased biological effectiveness. Prediction of the yield and LET of primary and secondary charged particles at a certain depth in the patient is performed by Monte Carlo simulations but is difficult to verify experimentally. Approach: Here, the results of measurements performed with Timepix detector in the mixed radiation field produced by a therapeutic proton beam in water are presented and compared to Monte Carlo simulations. The unique capability of the detector to perform high-resolution single particle tracking and identification enhanced by artificial intelligence allowed to resolve the particle type and measure the deposited energy of each particle comprising the mixed radiation field. Based on the collected data, biologically important physics parameters, the LET of single protons and dose-averaged LET, were computed.Main results: An accuracy over 95% was achieved for proton recognition with a developed neural network model. For recognized protons, the measured LET spectra generally agree with the results of Monte Carlo simulations. The mean difference between dose-averaged LET values obtained from measurements and simulations is 17%. We observed a broad spectrum of LET values ranging from a fraction of keV/um to about 10 keV/um for most of the measurements performed in the mixed radiation fields.Significance: It has been demonstrated that the introduced measurement method provides experimental data for validation of LET_D or LET spectra in any treatment planning system. The simplicity and accessibility of the presented methodology make it easy to be translated into a clinical routine in any proton therapy facility.

show abstract

“…Calculating and minimization of the momentum of inertia is the core of the final estimation. The elevation angle is in the favorable cases estimated based on the geometrical idea of particle full cross complemented with correction for charge sharing (length in the sensor plane deriving from polar angle is corrected for charge sharing effect which smears the true track length of the particle) [14]. This analysis has its limitations, for example in the cases when a particle is fully stopped in the sensor or the incident/elevation angle of a particle is close to the perpendicular direction to the sensor.…”

Section: Directional and Compton Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Data Processing Engine (DPE): data analysis tool for particle tracking and mixed radiation field characterization with pixel detectors Timepix

Marek,

Granja,

Jakubek

et al. 2024

J. Inst.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Hybrid semiconductor pixelated detectors from the Timepix family are advanced detectors for online particle tracking, offering energy measurement and precise time stamping capabilities for particles of various types and energies. This inherent capability makes them highly suitable for various applications, including imaging, medical fields such as radiotherapy and particle therapy, space-based applications aboard satellites and the International Space Station, and industrial applications. The data generated by these detectors is complex, necessitating the development and deployment of various analytical techniques to extract essential information. For this purpose, and to aid the Timepix user community, it was designed and developed the “Data Processing Engine” (DPE) as an advanced tool for data processing designed explicitly for Timepix detectors. The functionality of the DPE is structured into three distinct processing levels: i) Pre-processing: this phase involves clusterization and the application of necessary calibrations and corrections. ii) Processing: this stage includes particle classification, employing machine learning algorithms, and the recognition of radiation fields. iii) Post-processing: involves various analyses, such as directional analysis, coincidence analysis, frame analysis, Compton directional analysis, and the generation of physics products, are performed. The core of the DPE is supported by an extensive experimental database containing calibrations and referential radiation fields of typical environments, including protons, ions, electrons, gamma rays and X rays, as well as thermal and fast neutrons. To enhance accessibility, the DPE is implemented into various user interface platforms such as a command-line tool, an application programming interface, and as a graphical user interface in the form of a web portal. The DPE's broad utility is exemplified through its integration into various applications and developments.

show abstract

Monte Carlo modelling of pixel clusters in Timepix detectors using the MCNP code

Cited by 14 publications

References 22 publications

Spectral tracking of proton beams by the Timepix3 detector with GaAs, CdTe and Si sensors

Spectral tracking of proton beams by the Timepix3 detector with GaAs, CdTe and Si sensors

Single proton LET characterization with the Timepix detector and artificial intelligence for advanced proton therapy treatment planning

Data Processing Engine (DPE): data analysis tool for particle tracking and mixed radiation field characterization with pixel detectors Timepix

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About