Speaker
Description
The McLaren Proton Therapy Center functions as a clinically active, multi-room cancer treatment center. Beam size, position, and current measurements along the transfer lines are being utilized together with simulations to validate computer models for the Center’s transfer lines and associated beam parameters. BPM data collected along the beam lines provide detailed beam measurements. A computer tool, utilizing nonlinear constrained optimization programs that are integrated with a beam envelope code, is used to find detailed beam phase space parameters (sigma matrices, centroids) that reproduced the measured data. Quadrupole scan and steerer scan experiments are used to validate the calibration and alignment of these devices, as well as to independently confirm beam parameters at selected locations. Beam current measurements along the beamlines are used to infer transmission efficiencies and are compared to multi-particle simulations in order to identify beam loss locations. The goal of the work is to develop an improved understanding of the beams and beam transfer lines to support further beamline optimization and design activities. An overview of the combined experimental and simulation methodology will be described and selected results presented. The methods and tools described should be applicable to many types of operating accelerator facilities.
