Array of miniature radiation sources
US6556651B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1012
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for delivering therapeutic radiation, such as x-rays, to a treatment region includes a plurality of individually controllable therapeutic radiation sources. The therapeutic radiation sources are selectively and moveably disposed along one or more axes, or upon a two-dimensional surface, or within a three-dimensional volume, so as to form a one-dimensional or a multi-dimensional array. Each therapeutic radiation source includes an electron source for emitting electrons, and an associated target element adapted to emit therapeutic radiation in response to incident electrons. In one embodiment, each therapeutic radiation source is coupled to a distal end of an associated optical delivery structure, which is adapted to direct a beam of optical radiation to impinge upon a surface of the electron source so as to cause emission of electrons therefrom.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.