Design optimization of proton computed tomography set-up using geant4 simulations

The hadron therapy is a unique and innovative technique of cancer radiation therapy, which employs beams of charged hadrons and carbon ions. Proton radiation has many proven advantages in radiation therapy due to its capability to deliver the minimum energy dose along with precise patient positioning as compared to the traditional method of radiation therapy (X-ray CT). In this work, Novel design of Proton Computed Tomography (pCT) detector set-up using Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations will be developed. Further, the physics model to explain the interactions of proton beam with human phantom will be implemented in Geant4. In addition, the energy loss curve, tracking length, and scattering angle of proton beam will be simulated in the water phantom as well in the human phantom. The simulation results will be compared with measurement results. This work will be useful for the pre-treatment verification of patient positing related to the proton beam. (author)