Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-8113-0493
Date of Graduation
5-2024
Document Type
Dissertation (PhD)
Program Affiliation
Medical Physics
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Advisor/Committee Chair
Mohammad Salehpour
Committee Member
David Jaffray
Committee Member
Dirk Bartkoski
Committee Member
Peter Balter
Committee Member
Khandan Keyomarsi
Committee Member
Ramesh Tailor
Committee Member
Surendra Prajapati
Abstract
The Monte Carlo particle simulator TOPAS, the multiphysics solver COMSOL., and
several analytical radiation transport methods were employed to perform an in-depth proof-ofconcept
for a high dose rate, high precision converging beam small animal irradiation platform.
In the first aim of this work, a novel carbon nanotube-based compact X-ray tube optimized for
high output and high directionality was designed and characterized. In the second aim, an
optimization algorithm was developed to customize a collimator geometry for this unique Xray
source to simultaneously maximize the irradiator’s intensity and precision. Then, a full
converging beam irradiator apparatus was fit with a multitude of these X-ray tubes in a
spherical array and designed to deliver converged dose spots to any location within a small
animal model. This aim also included dose leakage calculations for estimation of appropriate
external shielding. The result of this research will be the blueprints for a full preclinical
radiation platform that pushes the boundaries of dose localization in small animal trials.
Keywords
Small animal radiotherapy, Preclinical research, FLASH therapy, Microradiotherapy, Simulation, Monte Carlo particle transport, Mathematical modelling, Finite element analysis, X-ray tube, Orthovoltage
Included in
Numerical Analysis and Computation Commons, Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing Commons, Oncology Commons, Ordinary Differential Equations and Applied Dynamics Commons, Other Physics Commons, Partial Differential Equations Commons, Radiation Medicine Commons