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Instruments, Volume 9, Issue 4 (December 2025) – 2 articles

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21 pages, 7112 KB  
Article
A Two-Plane Proton Radiography System Using ATLAS IBL Pixel-Detector Modules
by Hendrik Speiser, Claus Maximillian Bäcker, Johannes Esser, Alina Hild, Marco Iampieri, Ann-Kristin Lüvelsmeyer, Annsofie Tappe, Helen Thews, Kevin Kröninger and Jens Weingarten
Instruments 2025, 9(4), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040023 - 14 Oct 2025
Abstract
Accurate knowledge of a patient’s anatomy during every treatment fraction in proton therapy is an important prerequisite to ensure a correct dose deposition in the target volume. Adaptive proton therapy aims to detect those changes and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. One way [...] Read more.
Accurate knowledge of a patient’s anatomy during every treatment fraction in proton therapy is an important prerequisite to ensure a correct dose deposition in the target volume. Adaptive proton therapy aims to detect those changes and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. One way to trigger a daily re-planning of the treatment is to take a proton radiograph from the beam’s-eye view before the treatment to check for possible changes in the water equivalent thickness (WET) along the path due to daily changes in the patient’s anatomy. In this paper, the Two-Plane Imaging System (TPIS) is presented, comprising two ATLAS IBL silicon pixel-detector modules developed for the tracking detector of the ATLAS experiment at CERN. The prototype of the TPIS is described in detail, and proof-of-principle WET images are presented, of two-step phantoms and more complex phantoms with bone-like inlays (WET 10 to 40 mm). This study shows the capability of the TPIS to measure WET images with high precision. In addition, the potential of the TPIS to accurately determine WET changes over time down to 1 mm between subsequently taken WET images of a changing phantom is shown. This demonstrates the possible application of the TPIS and ATLAS IBL pixel-detector module in adaptive proton therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Applications of Particle Physics, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 2493 KB  
Article
Assessment of Radiological Dispersal Devices in Densely Populated Areas: Simulation and Emergency Response Planning
by Yassine El Khadiri, Ouadie Kabach, El Mahjoub Chakir and Mohamed Gouighri
Instruments 2025, 9(4), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040022 - 3 Oct 2025
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Abstract
The increasing threat of terrorism involving Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs) necessitates comprehensive evaluation and preparedness strategies, especially in densely populated public areas. This study aims to assess the potential consequences of RDD detonation, focusing on the effective doses received by individuals and the [...] Read more.
The increasing threat of terrorism involving Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs) necessitates comprehensive evaluation and preparedness strategies, especially in densely populated public areas. This study aims to assess the potential consequences of RDD detonation, focusing on the effective doses received by individuals and the ground deposition of radioactive materials in a hypothetical urban environment. Utilizing the HotSpot code, simulations were performed to model the dispersion patterns of 137Cs and 241Am under varying meteorological conditions, mirroring the complexities of real-world scenarios as outlined in recent literature. The results demonstrate that 137Cs dispersal produces a wider contamination footprint, with effective doses exceeding the public exposure limit of 1 mSv at distances up to 1 km, necessitating broad protective actions. In contrast, 241Am generates higher localized contamination, with deposition levels surpassing cleanup thresholds near the release point, creating long-term remediation challenges. Dose estimates for first responders highlight the importance of adhering to operational dose limits, with scenarios approaching 100 mSv under urgent rescue conditions. Overall, the findings underscore the need for rapid dose assessment, early shelter-in-place orders, and targeted decontamination to reduce population exposure. These insights provide actionable guidance for emergency planners and first responders, enhancing preparedness protocols for RDD incidents in major urban centers. Full article
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