SuSi : A Monte Carlo model of a novel proton CT Scanner using Geant4

Abstract

Proton radiotherapy uses beams of high energy protons to treat cancer. It is specifically used for cancers in children and near delicate structures due to the ability of delivering a highly focused dose to the cancer volume. The PRaVDA consortium are building an imaging device to image the patients with protons and form a proton Computed Tomography (pCT) image which will reduce the uncertainties on the treatment and further enhance patient care. Here we present the results of a Monte Carlo simulation of a novel proton Computerized Tomography instrument. We will give a brief overview of our pCT system whilst primarily focusing on our Monte Carlo modelling efforts using Geant4 to develop a full scale detector model to replicate our final design, the PRaVDASuperSimulation (SuSi). We will outline the results from modelling the sensors’ response and present a reconstructed proton CT image. We will also stress the importance of having a cluster such as BlueBEAR to perform these studies by illustrating the real time benefits of running the simulation compared to a single core machine.