Graduation Semester and Year
Summer 2024
Language
English
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Applied Physics
Department
Physics
First Advisor
Dr. Yujie Chi
Second Advisor
Dr. V. A. Chirayath
Third Advisor
Dr. Mingwu Jin
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Gary Glass
Fifth Advisor
Dr. Zui Pan
Abstract
This dissertation unveils the innovative design, development, and application of a next-generation alpha irradiation platform, specifically crafted for pre-clinical and university-level radiobiological research. Driven by the quest to overcome the inherent limitations of existing alpha particle irradiators, this study explores the profound therapeutic potential of alpha particles in cancer treatment. Known for their exceptional high linear energy transfer (LET), alpha particles exhibit a unique prowess in inducing clustered DNA damage, sparking intriguing possibilities for highly targeted cancer therapies. Yet, their application has been historically constrained by their limited range of biological tissues and the absence of precise delivery systems.
Our research introduces two innovative systems that operate within a vacuum environment, meticulously designed to preserve the energy of alpha particles, and significantly extend their therapeutic reach. The broad beam system is engineered to achieve comprehensive tumor coverage, while the focused beam system facilitates precise, granular studies of alpha particle effects at the cellular level. By harnessing Americium-241 (Am-241) as a radioactive source, we provide a cost-effective alternative to prohibitively expensive accelerators, democratizing access to advanced research tools for smaller institutions.
Central to this work is a novel focusing lens system employing permanent magnets to achieve targeted dose variation. This breakthrough will allow us potentially someday to delve deeply into the localized effects of alpha radiation. Additionally, the system’s ability to filter out 60 keV gamma rays ensures the purity of alpha particle studies. Our findings underscore the critical balance of energy and fluence necessary for optimizing radiation therapy.
The pioneering advancements presented in this dissertation hold the possibility of unlocking the full therapeutic potential of alpha particles, paving the way for more precise and effective cancer treatment strategies at the pre-clinical and university research levels. This work not only addresses the gaps left by current irradiators but also ignites a pathway for significant breakthroughs in alpha particle radiotherapy, stimulating curiosity and innovation within the research community.
Keywords
Alpha Irradiation, Radiobiological Research, Focusing Lens System, Cancer Treatment, High Linear Energy Transfer (LET), Americium-241 (Am-241), Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT), Vacuum Environment, Bystander Effect, Dose Distribution
Disciplines
Biological and Chemical Physics | Other Physics | Plasma and Beam Physics
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Arya, Harsh, "Next-Generation Alpha Irradiation Platform: Design, Development, and Applications in Radiobiological Research" (2024). Physics Dissertations. 113.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/physics_dissertations/113
Included in
Biological and Chemical Physics Commons, Other Physics Commons, Plasma and Beam Physics Commons