Teledyne e2v’s commitment to shaping the future of radiotherapy technology will be very much in evidence as we unveil our new components and subsystem design at ESTRO 2022, 6-10 May, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Teledyne e2v has long been at the forefront of radiotherapy innovation, creating state-of-the-art RF power components and – more recently – entire subsystems for linear accelerator (LINAC) based radiotherapy systems. At ESTRO 2022, we are launching our latest wave of products, including a new RF subsystem that demonstrates exactly where we’ve been channelling our innovation.
Drawing on our 75 years of experience in building components for the radiotherapy market, we’ve designed our new magnetron module and solid-state modulator to create a more compact, integrated and easily serviceable RF subsystem.
For higher power radiotherapy systems, we’ve also developed a new high-power S-band magnetron with a completely unique architecture.
Our next generation technology anticipates our customers’ needs, enabling manufacturers to develop radiotherapy systems that save space, reduce downtime, improve patient experience and usher in the future of radiotherapy, faster.
Smaller subsystem, greater innovation
Teledyne e2v’s new solid-state modulator and controller The key benefit of our new RF subsystem is that it’s radically smaller than previous models. We’ve achieved this by designing our new magnetron module and solid-state modulator to be more compact, integrated and versatile.
What’s changed? The magnetron module has built-in shielding, so there’s no longer the need for a bulky case to hard-connect the magnetron to the solid-state modulator. Connection is now via a completely earthed cable, which frees up 30% more space in the RF subsystem and improves both flexibility and serviceability.
“Designers can now position components more flexibly and change the distance between magnetron and modulator easily,” explains David Rowlands, Head of Product Development and Applications at Teledyne e2v. “That’s a big advantage.”
Our new solid-state modulator also has a much smaller footprint, as we’ve reduced and reconfigured its parts. By minimising the number of connections, the modulator has improved interconnectivity and stability, while an all-new digital controller leads to better field servicing and integration with front-end user interfaces.
For manufacturers, these changes translate into valuable space in the radiotherapy gantry, unlocking potential for more innovative patient experiences and care. They also open up the possibilities for where patients can be treated.
Previously, a need to circulate air through the subsystem made it challenging to run radiotherapy machines at altitude or in humid conditions. As the shield is now integrated into the magnetron and completely sealed off from the external environment, radiotherapy machines with our RF subsystem can work in humid conditions and altitudes up to 5,000 metres, which, in turn, promotes greater access to cancer treatment.
Faster and safer servicing
At Teledyne e2v, we understand the vital role of machine maintenance and how innovative component design can support faster and safer subsystem servicing, saving time – a leading theme of this year’s ESTRO conference – to keep the focus on providing consistent patient care.
The new solid-state modulator has been designed with safety in mind. There are no exposed high voltages in the subsystem, and we’ve minimised the risk of RF leakage as the new magnetron includes a more compact and secure RF enclosure, right at the source.
Our commitment to safety and subsystem performance is reflected in our testing processes, which include evaluation at the UK government’s Science and Technology Facilities Council. We test individual components into LINAC systems so that manufacturers benefit from a full set of representative tests.
A partner in innovation
At Teledyne e2v, we understand that the greatest innovation won’t come from designing components in isolation. As designers of all the parts of RF subsystems, we are uniquely placed to work with clients to create bespoke solutions to fulfil their goals.
We partner with manufacturers, working throughout all stages of device development – from design and research to manufacture and installation – to ensure our components and subsystems are as innovative as possible. Our global footprint means that we can easily lend our expertise to radiotherapy manufacturers around the world.
A unique high-power magnetron
We are also innovating products for higher power radiotherapy equipment.
Our latest high-power S-band magnetron is designed to be used as an alternative to klystrons in high energy platforms, treating certain tumour types and patient profiles. It offers a more compact design and can be accommodated on a rotating gantry, helping to reduce the overall system footprint. With the lower operating voltage of this magnetron there is no need to immerse electrical terminals in oil, reducing the system and service complexity of a klystron system.
However, while it’s a more compact component, it packs a lot more power, reaching a higher power density than any other magnetron anode design. In fact, it’s unprecedented. “It is totally unique to us,” explains Rowlands.
Discover how you could partner for progress with Teledyne e2v at ESTRO 2022, 6-10 May, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
About Teledyne e2v
Teledyne e2v’s innovations lead developments in healthcare, life sciences, space, transportation, defense, security and industrial markets. Teledyne e2v’s unique approach involves listening to the market and application challenges of customers, understanding market trends and technical challenges to design and delivery technically innovative solutions.
Website: /Solutions/rf-power/
