The ' C+ ' C elastic scattering has been measured for E, = 14.6 -31.3 MeV, 8, =30'-110'. The elastic data have been analyzed via a phase shift analysis, enabling the extraction of model independent sets of phase shift parameters. The extracted J values for the intermediate structure resonances at E, =18.4, 19.3, and 20.3 MeV are 12+, 12+, and 12+ or 14+, respectively. The questions of ambiguities in the phase shift analysis and the comparison with J values deduced from other experiments are discussed. Evidence is presented for the existence of gross structure resonances. The elastic scattering has also been analyzed using the sum-of-differences method to directly extract the total reaction cross section. The results of these analyses are compared to existing models of the origin of intermediate structure resonances. NUCLEAR REACTIONS Measured the '2C+' C elastic scattering, E, =14.6 -31.3 MeV, 8, =30'-110'. Phase shift analysis, sum-ofdifferences analysis.

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Purpose To demonstrate a proton‐imaging system based on well‐established fast scintillator technology to achieve high performance with low cost and complexity, with the potential of a straightforward translation into clinical use. Methods The system tracks individual protons through one (X, Y) scintillating fiber tracker plane upstream and downstream of the object and into a 13‐cm ‐thick scintillating block residual energy detector. The fibers in the tracker planes are multiplexed into silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) to reduce the number of electronics channels. The light signal from the residual energy detector is collected by 16 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). Only four signals from the PMTs are output from each event, which allows for fast signal readout. A robust calibration method of the PMT signal to residual energy has been developed to obtain accurate proton images. The development of patient‐specific scan patterns using multiple input energies allows for an image to be produced with minimal excess dose delivered to the patient. Results The calibration of signals in the energy detector produces accurate residual range measurements limited by intrinsic range straggling. We measured the water‐equivalent thickness (WET) of a block of solid water (physical thickness of 6.10 mm) with a proton radiograph. The mean WET from all pixels in the block was 6.13 cm (SD 0.02 cm). The use of patient‐specific scan patterns using multiple input energies enables imaging with a compact range detector. Conclusions We have developed a prototype clinical proton radiography system for pretreatment imaging in proton radiation therapy. We have optimized the system for use with pencil beam scanning systems and have achieved a reduction of size and complexity compared to previous designs.

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We are exploring low-dose proton radiography and computed tomography (pCT) as techniques to improve the accuracy of proton treatment planning and to provide artifact-free images for verification and adaptive therapy at the time of treatment. Here we report on comprehensive beam test results with our prototype pCT head scanner. The detector system and data acquisition attain a sustained rate of more than a million protons individually measured per second, allowing a full CT scan to be completed in six minutes or less of beam time. In order to assess the performance of the scanner for proton radiography as well as computed tomography, we have performed numerous scans of phantoms at the Northwestern Medicine Chicago Proton Center including a custom phantom designed to assess the spatial resolution, a phantom to assess the measurement of relative stopping power, and a dosimetry phantom. Some images, performance, and dosimetry results from those phantom scans are presented together with a description of the instrument, the data acquisition system, and the calibration methods.Comment: Conference on the Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry, CAARI 2016, 30 October to 4 November 2016, Ft. Worth, TX, US

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Proton computed tomography (pCT) is a novel medical imaging modality for mapping the distribution of proton relative stopping power (RSP) in medical objects of interest. Compared to conventional X-ray computed tomography, where range uncertainty margins are around 3.5%, pCT has the potential to provide more accurate measurements to within 1%. This improved efficiency will be beneficial to proton-therapy planning and pre-treatment verification. A prototype pCT imaging device has recently been developed capable of rapidly acquiring low-dose proton radiographs of head-sized objects. We have also developed an advanced, fast image reconstruction software based on distributed computing that utilizes parallel processors and graphical processing units. The combination of fast data acquisition and fast image reconstruction will enable the availability of RSP images within minutes for use in clinical settings. The performance of our image reconstruction software has been evaluated using data collected by the prototype pCT scanner from several phantoms.