On the development of the “PITZ-Robot” for use at the FLASHlab@PITZ experimental area

Villani, Daniel; Gross, Matthias; Grebinyk, Anna; Aftab, Namra; Stephan, Frank; Krasilnikov, Mikhail; Amirkhanyan, Zohrab Gevorg

Poster

PUBDB-2024-07464

On the development of the “PITZ-Robot” for use at the FLASHlab@PITZ experimental area

Villani, D. (Corresponding author)Extern* ; Krasilnikov, M.DESY* ; Amirkhanyan, Z. G.Extern*DESY* ; Grebinyk, A.DESY* ; Stephan, F.DESY* ; Aftab, N.DESY* ; Gross, M.DESY*

2024

FLASH RADIOTHERAPY AND PARTICLE THERAPY CONFERENCE, FRPT 2024, Rome, DESY, Italy, 4 Dec 2024 - 6 Dec 2024 [10.3204/PUBDB-2024-07464]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2024-07464

Abstract: 1. Background and AimsThe 22 MeV PITZ accelerator at DESY-Zeuthen is well-suited for FLASH-RT research, a novel cancer treatment technique, due to its wide parameter range. Adjustable factors such as the number of RF pulses, micropulses, micro pulse charge, RF repetition rate, and beam size allow for dose rates from 0.05 Gy/s to 107 Gy/s. The full FLASHlab@PITZ beamline, currently under installation, includes a second dipole, quadrupoles, vertical and horizontal kickers, and advanced diagnostics. The PITZ-Robot, a customized version of the CLEAR-Robot (C-Robot), is part of the upgrade package. This work reports the development of the “PITZ-Robot”.2. Methods Building on the lessons learned from commissioning the C-Robot in the FLASHlab@PITZ startup beamline, the PITZ-Robot has been designed and developed to provide precise positioning for sample irradiation, achieving 50 µm accuracy across three axes. A custom-designed 3D-printed holder, equipped with a YAG screen and a 45⁰ mirror, serves as a beam tracker and provides real-time positioning feedback with the CCD camera attached to the robotic arm. Additionally, the original MATLAB script has been adapted to allow for fine-tuning of the irradiation positioning. 3. Results Hardware design and software updates enhanced beam positioning accuracy at FLASHlab@PITZ. The PITZ-Robot has been installed on the new beamline, and its commissioning is ongoing to ensure consistent beam alignment and reliable dosimetry, crucial for experiments on the FLASH effect in radiation therapy.4. Conclusion The open-source C-Robot gave insights for the development of the PITZ-Robot. The “PITZ-Robot” is part of the upgrade package of the FLASHlab@PITZ, becoming the main tool for sample manipulation during irradiations and dosimetry methods R&D.

Note: I checked with my co authors and they agreed to make this document freely available via your service unless other legal restrictions apply. (Castro Carballo, Maria-Elena)

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