Abstract: A Cherenkov-based or thin-sheet scintillator-based imaging system uses a radio-optical triggering unit (RTU) that detects scattered radiation in a fast-response scintillator to detect pulses of radiation to permit capture of Cherenkov-light or scintillator-light images during pulses of radiation and background images at times when pulses of radiation are not present without need for electrical interface to the accelerator that provides the pulses of radiation. The Cherenkov images are corrected by background subtraction and used for purposes including optimization of treatment, commissioning, routine quality auditing, R&D, and manufacture. The radio-optical triggering unit employs high-speed, highly sensitive radio-optical sensing to generate a digital timing signal which is synchronous with the treatment beam for use in triggering Cherenkov light or scintillator light imaging.

Abstract: A system for monitoring radiation treatment images Cherenkov emissions from tissue of a subject. A processor of the system determines densities of a surface layer of the subject from 3D images of the tissue to determine correction factors. The processor uses these factors to correct the Cherenkov images for attenuation of Cherenkov light by tissue, making them proportional to radiation dose. In embodiments, the system obtains reflectance images of the subject, determines second correction factors therefrom, and applies the second correction factors to the Cherenkov emissions images. In embodiments, the corrected images of Cherenkov emissions are compared to dose maps of a treatment plan. A method of correcting Cherenkov emissions images includes determining tissue characteristics from CT or MRI images in a surface volume where Cherenkov is expected, using; imaging Cherenkov emissions; and using the tissue characteristics to correct the images for variations in Cherenkov light propagation through the tissue.

Abstract: A Cherenkov-based or thin-sheet scintillator-based imaging system uses a radio-optical triggering unit (RTU) that detects scattered radiation in a fast-response scintillator to detect pulses of radiation to permit capture of Cherenkov-light or scintillator-light images during pulses of radiation and background images at times when pulses of radiation are not present without need for electrical interface to the accelerator that provides the pulses of radiation. The Cherenkov images are corrected by background subtraction and used for purposes including optimization of treatment, commissioning, routine quality auditing, R&D, and manufacture. The radio-optical triggering unit employs high-speed, highly sensitive radio-optical sensing to generate a digital timing signal which is synchronous with the treatment beam for use in triggering Cherenkov light or scintillator light imaging.

Abstract: A monitor for pulsed high energy radiation therapy using a radiation beam passing through a treatment zone, the radiation of 0.2 MEV or greater; has a camera for imaging Cherenkov light from the treatment zone; apparatus for preventing interference by room lighting, the camera synchronized to pulses of the radiation beam; and an image processor adapted to determine extent of the beam area on the patient skin from the images. Additionally an image processor determines cumulative skin dose in the treatment zone from the images. In embodiments, the processor uses a three-dimensional model of a subject to determine mapping of image intensity in images of Cherenkov light to radiation intensity in skin, applies the mapping to images of Cherenkov light to verify skin dose delivered, and accumulates skin dose by summing the maps of skin dose.

Abstract: A system for dosimetry includes a radiation source that provides a pulsed radiation beam to a treatment zone, and a thin sheet of scintillator disposed between the radiation source and skin of a subject in the treatment zone. A gated camera images the scintillator integrating light from the scintillator during multiple pulses of the radiation beam while excluding light received between pulses of the pulsed radiation beam; and an image capture and processing machine that receives images from the gated camera and performs additional corrections to provide a map of dose received by the subject.

Abstract: A monitor for pulsed high energy radiation therapy using a radiation beam passing through a treatment zone, the radiation of 0.2 MEV or greater; has a camera for imaging Cherenkov light from the treatment zone; apparatus for preventing interference by room lighting, the camera synchronized to pulses of the radiation beam; and an image processor adapted to determine extent of the beam area on the patient skin from the images. Additionally an image processor determines cumulative skin dose in the treatment zone from the images. In embodiments, the processor uses a three-dimensional model of a subject to determine mapping of image intensity in images of Cherenkov light to radiation intensity in skin, applies the mapping to images of Cherenkov light to verify skin dose delivered, and accumulates skin dose by summing the maps of skin dose.