This one-day community consultation workshop aims to explore possible applications in proton therapy of silicon pixel detectors with precise timing capabilities. Specifically, we are interested in exploring uses for Low Gain Avalanche Detector (LGAD) devices with pixel pitch of ~50 microns, and time resolution of ~50ps.
Such devices are being studied in the context of particle physics, where they may be candidate technologies for future detectors, for example at the High Luminosity LHC and a Future Circular Collider. The primary goal of this workshop is to understand if and where the same technology may be of benefit in proton therapy, in particular for time-of-flight measurements in PET imaging, prompt gamma-ray imaging, and dose rate measurements.
The workshop is funded by an STFC Opportunities Call grant, which has two specific deliverables relating to this workshop:
- A specifications document listing potential applications of the proposed technology outside particle physics, including the required sensor attributes (pixel size, time resolution, material constraints, sensor thickness and size, particle or hit rate, frame rate, radiation hardness, ...).
- A network of prospective beneficiaries and stakeholders in the field of proton therapy (and related medical applications).
There will be talks describing the aims of the grant, the current status and planned developments of the technology, and potential proton therapy applications as outlined above.
There will be no registration fee, and all associated costs (travel, accommodation, lunch) will be reimbursed for invited participants. Registration may also be extended more widely with no guarantee that costs will be covered.
We are also hosting a companion workshop at the Diamond Light Source on 25 November 2019 to explore corresponding applications in imaging and materials science:
indico.cern.ch/e/FastPixels4Imaging
Organising Committee:
- Richard Bates (Glasgow)
- Lars Eklund (Glasgow)
- Marco Gersabeck (Manchester, workshop co-chair)
- Dima Manueski (Glasgow)
- Alex Oh (Manchester)
- Michael Taylor (Manchester / Christie NHS Foundation Trust, workshop co-chair)
- Mark Williams (Manchester, PI of grant)
