Embodiments of systems, devices, and methods relate to controlling beams for use in beam systems. An example method of controlling a travel path of a beam includes propagating a beam along a first path from an entry point of a dipole magnet through a non-gradient portion of the dipole magnet until the beam bends toward a first beam travel path of multiple beam travel paths of the dipole magnet. The example method further includes propagating the beam along the first beam travel path through a gradient portion of the dipole magnet to focus the beam for propagation to a downstream target. Embodiments further permit a compact beam system such that a series of magnets can be used to create a path that accommodates shielding to minimize the footprint of the beam system for facilities that may not otherwise support large systems due to space and safety constraints.

A neutron activator for neutron activation of a material, the neutron activator being configured to produce neutrons from an interaction with a proton beam (7), the neutron activator comprising: a neutron source comprising a metallic target (1), and a Beryllium first reflector-moderator (4) peripheral to the neutron source and comprising a neutron activation-area (10) configured to accommodate the neutron source and the material to be activated, the neutron activation area (10) of the first reflector-moderator (4) comprising a bore configured to accommodate the neutron source.

Current state-of-the art ion sources do not meet multiple application needs for pulsed ion beams because current designs limit obtaining the needed peak currents, anode current densities, total currents, time averaged currents and lifetime in the same structure. High surface energy, power loading, material erosion and stresses damage surfaces. Our concepts for a ‘cold’ anode structure and ion source will reduce these erosion and damage issues. By extending lifetime and performance characteristics multiple applications can be enabled with lower maintenance and cost. The concepts here reduce the surface aging and provide the high performance (peak current, high current density and long lifetime required.

Current state-of-the art ion sources do not meet multiple application needs for pulsed ion beams because current designs limit obtaining the needed peak currents, anode current densities, total currents, time averaged currents and lifetime in the same structure. High surface energy, power loading, material erosion and stresses damage surfaces. Our concepts for a ‘cold’ anode structure and ion source will reduce these erosion and damage issues. By extending lifetime and performance characteristics multiple applications can be enabled with lower maintenance and cost. The concepts here reduce the surface aging and provide the high performance (peak current, high current density and long lifetime required.

Embodiments are provided relating to the exchange of devices or assemblies holding targets used in a beam system. With these embodiments a used target can be rapidly and safely replaced with a new target to permit continued operation in a clinical or other environment. Also provided are embodiments of valves having relatively lower profiles that facilitate engagement and disengagement of beamline sections for access to the target device or assembly. All or a portion of the valve can be part of the target assembly. Also provided are embodiments of storage containers for storing a volatile object, such as an object comprising a composition sensitive to atmospheric air and/or an object that is radioactive. The storage container can include a two-part shell case assembly configured for housing a volatile object between the two parts, which engage one another to form an air-tight seal therebetween.

The present disclosure provides a positioning assembly for a radiation irradiation system. The positioning assembly includes a shielding body made of polymer and radiation shielding material capable of shielding the radiation and a sealing bag for accommodating the shielding body, when the target to be irradiated is placed on the positioning assembly, the positioning assembly is recessed with a shape of the target at the position where the target is placed and forms a contour corresponding to the target to position the target to be irradiated.

Embodiments of systems, devices, and methods relate to a beam system. An example beam system includes a charged particle source configured to generate a beam of charged particles, a pre-accelerator system configured to accelerate the beam, and an accelerator configured to accelerate the beam from the pre-accelerator system. The pre-accelerator system can cause the beam to converge as it is propagated from the source to an input aperture of the accelerator. The pre-accelerator system can further reduce or eliminate source disturbance or damage caused by backflow traveling from the accelerator toward the source.

Provided is a radiation detection system for improving the accuracy of a neutron beam irradiation dose for a neutron capture therapy system. The neutron capture therapy system includes a charged particle beam, a charged particle beam inlet for passing the charged particle beam, a neutron generating unit for generating the neutron beam by means of a nuclear reaction with the charged particle beam, a beam shaping assembly for adjusting flux and quality of the neutron beam, and a beam outlet adjoining to the beam shaping assembly, the radiation detection system includes a radiation detection device arranged within the beam shaper or outside the beam shaping assembly, the radiation detection device is used for real-time detection of the overflowing neutron beam by the neutron generating unit or the generated γ-ray after the nuclear reaction of the charged particle beam with the neutron generating unit.

Provided is a radiation detection system for improving the accuracy of a neutron beam irradiation dose for a neutron capture therapy system. The neutron capture therapy system includes a charged particle beam, a charged particle beam inlet for passing the charged particle beam, a neutron generating unit for generating the neutron beam by means of a nuclear reaction with the charged particle beam, a beam shaping assembly for adjusting flux and quality of the neutron beam, and a beam outlet adjoining to the beam shaping assembly, the radiation detection system includes a radiation detection device arranged within the beam shaper or outside the beam shaping assembly, the radiation detection device is used for real-time detection of the overflowing neutron beam by the neutron generating unit or the generated γ-ray after the nuclear reaction of the charged particle beam with the neutron generating unit.

An apparatuses, methods and systems for a desktop occupancy sensing device are disclosed. One desktop apparatus includes an occupancy sensor, a charging interface, a controller, and a structure. The occupancy sensor operates to sense occupancy proximate to the desktop apparatus. The controller operates to determine occupancy of a desktop based on the sensed occupation, and the controller operates to communicate the determined occupancy to an upstream network. The occupancy sensor, the charging interface, and an interface to the upstream network are disposed within the structure as a single unit, and the structure is adapted to be placed on or affixed to the desktop.