Abstract: A Cherenkov imaging system includes a high-speed radiation detector configured to provide a first timing signal synchronized with pulses of radiation to control operation of at least one pulse-gated, multiple-pulse-integrating, (PG-MPI) CMOS camera synchronized through the digital time signal to pulses of the radiation beam source, to image Cherenkov radiation; and a digital image-processing system. The high-speed radiation detector is either a solid-state radiation detector or a scintillator with a photodetector. The system images Cherenkov light emitted by tissue by using a timing signal synchronized to pulses of a pulsed radiation beam to control the PG-MPI camera by integrating light received by the PG-MPI camera during multiple pulses of the radiation beam while excluding light received by the camera between pulses of the radiation beam.

Abstract: A gated camera has an image-sensing device, a spatial-light modulator that directs part or all of an incident optical beam toward the image-sensing device or away from the image-sensing device under control of a controller; and a beam-directing element that directs the incident optical beam toward the spatial-light modulator. A gated image acquisition method includes controlling whether a temporal segment of an incident optical beam contributes to an image captured by an image sensor by directing the temporal segment either toward the image sensor or away from the image sensor. A method for spatially encoding a temporally-varying light signal comprising, for each of a plurality of temporal segments of the temporally-varying light signal selectively directing the temporal segment of the temporally-varying light signal to a respective region of an image sensor, or directing the temporal segment of the temporally-varying light signal away from the image sensor.

Abstract: A system for delivering ultra-high dose rate irradiation to a target area of a patient, includes a pulsed charged-particle source along a beam axis; a collimator for shaping the beam of radiation; one or more cameras for imaging the target area of the patient; and a dosimetry controller for providing control signals to the charged-particle source one or more dosimeters positioned between an output of the charged-particle source and the collimator in beam fringes for measuring a radiation dosage provided by each pulse; and a beam scanning coil positioned between the collimator and the patient for directing the shaped beam. The dosimetry controller receives feedback from the one or more dosimeters and provides control signals to the particle source and the beam scanning coil that modulate final pulses in the series of pulses in real-time.

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 system for delivering ultra-high dose rate irradiation to a target area of a patient, includes a pulsed charged-particle source along a beam axis; a collimator for shaping the beam of radiation; one or more cameras for imaging the target area of the patient; and a dosimetry controller for providing control signals to the charged-particle source one or more dosimeters positioned between an output of the charged-particle source and the collimator in beam fringes for measuring a radiation dosage provided by each pulse; and a beam scanning coil positioned between the collimator and the patient for directing the shaped beam. The dosimetry controller receives feedback from the one or more dosimeters and provides control signals to the particle source and the beam scanning coil that modulate final pulses in the series of pulses in real-time.

Abstract: A system includes a cylindrical phantom and a conical structure disposed in the phantom. The conical structure is shaped as a frustum and emits Cherenkov radiation when exposed to ionizing radiation. The system can be used for calibration of an MR-Linac system by exposing the system to ionizing radiation. The Cherenkov radiation can be imaged during exposure to ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A system and method for depth-resolved imaging of fluorophore concentrations in tissue uses a pulsed light source stimulus wavelength to illuminate the tissue; and a time-gated electronic camera such as a single-photon avalanche detector camera to observe the tissue in multiple time windows after start of each light pulse. A filter device is between the tissue and the electronic camera with fluorescent imaging and stimulus wavelength settings. an image processor receives reflectance images and fluorescent emissions images from the time-gated camera and processes these images into depth and quantity resolved images of fluorophore concentrations in the tissue. Then image processor derives a fluorescence lifetime signal from the received temporal fluorescence signals and derives from these fluorescence lifetime signals biochemical property images of the tissue.

Abstract: A Cherenkov imaging system includes a high-speed radiation detector configured to provide a first timing signal synchronized with pulses of radiation to control operation of at least one pulse-gated, multiple-pulse-integrating, (PG-MPI) CMOS camera synchronized through the digital time signal to pulses of the radiation beam source, to image Cherenkov radiation; and a digital image-processing system. The high-speed radiation detector is either a solid-state radiation detector or a scintillator with a photodetector. The system images Cherenkov light emitted by tissue by using a timing signal synchronized to pulses of a pulsed radiation beam to control the PG-MPI camera by integrating light received by the PG-MPI camera during multiple pulses of the radiation beam while excluding light received by the camera between pulses of the radiation beam.

Abstract: A system and method for depth-resolved imaging of fluorophore concentrations in tissue uses a pulsed light source stimulus wavelength to illuminate the tissue; and a time-gated electronic camera such as a single-photon avalanche detector camera to observe the tissue in multiple time windows after start of each light pulse. A filter-changer or tunable filter is between the tissue and the electronic camera with fluorescent imaging settings and a stimulus wavelength setting, and an image processor receives reflectance images and fluorescent emissions images from the time-gated camera and processes these images into depth and quantity resolved images of fluorophore concentrations in 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 system and method for depth-resolved imaging of fluorophore concentrations in tissue uses a pulsed light source stimulus wavelength to illuminate the tissue; and a time-gated electronic camera such as a single-photon avalanche detector camera to observe the tissue in multiple time windows after start of each light pulse. A filter-changer or tunable filter is between the tissue and the electronic camera with fluorescent imaging settings and a stimulus wavelength setting, and an image processor receives reflectance images and fluorescent emissions images from the time-gated camera and processes these images into depth and quantity resolved images of fluorophore concentrations in the tissue.

Abstract: A system for performing radiation treatment of a patient with a proton beam from a particle accelerator uses a high-sensitivity camera to capture dose images of patient surface, a video processor that integrates the dose images, beam-on detection apparatus, and apparatus to eliminate interference of room lighting. In embodiments, the system registers dose images to a surface model of the patient derived from stereo image pairs captured by a stereo camera. In embodiments, the surface model is registered to three-dimensional images of the patient from MRI or CT, and an integrated three-dimensional energy deposition map of the patient is prepared.

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 Cherenkov-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 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 radiation detection.

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 Cherenkov-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 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 radiation detection.