Teledyne e2v’s commitment to shaping the future of radiotherapy technology will be very much in evidence as they unveil their new components and subsystem design at ESTRO 2022, 6-10 May, in Copenhagen, Denmark. ESTRO is an event that further reinforces radiation oncology as a core partner in multidisciplinary cancer care. 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, they are launching their latest wave of products, including a new RF subsystem that demonstrates exactly where they have been channeling their innovation.
Drawing on 75 years of experience in building components for the radiotherapy market, Teledyne has designed a new magnetron module and solid-state modulator to create a more compact, integrated and easily serviceable RF subsystem. For higher power radiotherapy systems, they’ve also developed a new high-power S-band magnetron with unique architecture.
Teledyne e2v’s next-generation technology anticipates their 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
The key benefit of their new RF subsystem is that it’s radically smaller than previous models. They have achieved this by designing their new magnetron module and solid-state modulator to be more compact, integrated and versatile.
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.”
Their new solid-state modulator also has a much smaller footprint, as they’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 the 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 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
Teledyne e2v understands 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 they’ve minimized the risk of RF leakage as the new magnetron includes a more compact and secure RF enclosure, right at the source.
Teledyne’s commitment to safety and subsystem performance is reflected in its testing processes, which include evaluation at the UK government’s Science and Technology Facilities Council. They test individual components into LINAC systems so that manufacturers benefit from a full set of representative tests.
A partner in innovation
Teledyne e2v understands that the greatest innovation won’t come from designing components in isolation. As designers of all the parts of RF subsystems, they are uniquely placed to work with clients to create bespoke solutions to fulfil their goals.
They have partnered with manufacturers, working throughout all stages of device development from design and research to manufacture and installation to ensure components and subsystems are as innovative as possible. The global footprint means that they can easily lend their expertise to radiotherapy manufacturers around the world.
A unique high-power magnetron
Teledyne e2v is also innovating products for higher power radiotherapy equipment. Their 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. It’s unprecedented. “It is unique to us,” explains Rowlands.
Click here to learn more about solid-state modulators.
Click here to learn more about magnetrons.
