arXiv subjects

Christoph Schuy

Publications and source records attributed to Christoph Schuy.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Measurement of 80-200 MeV/n $^{16}$O nuclear cross-section on Carbon and Polyethylene targets with the nuclear emulsion detector of the FOOT experiment

Accurate knowledge of nuclear fragmentation cross-sections is essential for optimizing charged particle therapy. In this study, conducted within the framework of the FOOT (FragmentatiOn Of Target) experiment, we present the first measurements with a large angular acceptance of total charge-changing cross-section and the cross-section for the production of fragments (production cross-section) for $^{16}$O ions interacting with Carbon (C) and Polyethylene (C$_2$H$_4$) targets in the kinetic energy range of 80 to 200 MeV/nucleon. Measurements were performed using the Emulsion Cloud Chamber (ECC) technique, which combines high spatial resolution and angular acceptance, up to 45$^\circ$. The results are compared with Monte Carlo model predictions. Moreover, the total charge-changing and fragment production cross-sections for $^{16}$O on Hydrogen in the same energy range are derived.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2026

Mixed Ion Beams Enable Simultaneous Treatment and Real-Time Imaging in Carbon Ion Therapy

Carbon ion therapy is one of the most advanced forms of radiotherapy, promising improved efficacy against resistant cancers. However, the high precision offered by the carbon ion Bragg peak requires precise knowledge of the beam range inside the patient. We report the first experimental realization of range monitoring and portal imaging with a mixed ion beam, where carbon ions are treating the tumor while helium ions simultaneously accelerated to the same velocity fully traverse the patient and provide treatment feedback. Using the GSI synchrotron, a beam of 12C3+ and 4He1+ ions is accelerated, exploiting their nearly identical charge-to-mass ratios. Stable extraction with controlled helium fractions down to 7% is demonstrated. Beam characterization reveals that the helium ion Bragg peak can be cleanly separated from the carbon ion fragment background which enables accurate detection of sub-millimeter Bragg peak displacements. Mixed-beam radiographs of a lung-cancer-like phantom offer target position detection to better than 0.5 mm accuracy. This establishes mixed beams as a powerful modality for real-time image guidance in carbon ion therapy, uniquely providing simultaneous treatment delivery, range probing, and portal imaging. By overcoming range uncertainty inside the patient, mixed beams will enable to fully exploit the precision of carbon ion therapy.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2026

Hybrid Active-Passive Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulator: experimental implementation and microdosimetric characterization

Space radiation is one of the major obstacles to space exploration. If not mitigated, radiation can interact both with biological and electronic systems, inducing damage and posing significant risk to space missions. Countermeasures can only be studied effectively with ground-based accelerators that act as a proxy for space radiation. Following an in-silico design and optimization process we have developed a galactic cosmic ray (GCR) simulator using a hybrid active-passive methodology. In this approach, the primary beam energy is actively switched and the beam interacts with specifically designed passive modulators. In this paper, we present the implementation of such a GCR simulator and its experimental microdosimetric characterization. Measuring the GCR field is of paramount importance, both before providing it to the user as a validated radiation field and for achieving the best possible radiation description. The issue is addressed in this paper by using a tissue equivalent proportional counter to measure radiation quality and by comparing experimental measurements with Monte Carlo simulations. In conclusion, we will demonstrate the GCR simulator's capability to reproduce a GCR field.

physics.space-ph↗

arXiv2026

Hybrid Active-Passive Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulator: in-silico design and optimization

High-energy heavy-ion particle accelerators have long served as proxies for the harsh space radiation environment, enabling both fundamental life-science research and applied testing of flight hardware. Traditionally, monoenergetic high-energy heavy-ion beams have been employed for practicality, providing valuable datasets that underpin radiation risk and predictive computational models. However, such beams cannot fully reproduce the mixed-field nature of space radiation, motivating the development of realistic analogs for improved risk assessment and countermeasure evaluation in preparation for future deep-space missions to Moon or Mars. Spearheaded by developments at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory, the GSI Helmholtzzentrum fuer Schwerionenforschung, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), has established advanced space radiation simulation capabilities in Europe. Here, we present the design, optimization, and in-silico benchmarking of GSI's hybrid active-passive Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) simulator, together with a computationally optimized phase-space particle source for Geant4, which is available to external users for their own simulation studies and experimental planning.

physics.space-ph↗

arXiv2025

First image-guided treatment of a mouse tumor with radioactive ion beams

Radioactive ion beams (RIB) are a key focus of current research in nuclear physics. Already long ago it was proposed that they could have applications in cancer therapy. In fact, while charged particle therapy is potentially the most effective radiotherapy technique available, it is highly susceptible to uncertainties in the beam range. RIB are well-suited for image-guided particle therapy, as isotopes that undergo \b{eta}+-decay can be precisely visualized using positron emission tomography (PET), enabling accurate real-time monitoring of the beam range. We successfully treated a mouse osteosarcoma using a radioactive 11C-ion beam. The tumor was located in the neck, in close proximity to the spinal cord, increasing the risk of radiation-induced myelopathy from even slight variations in the beam range caused by anatomical changes or incorrect calibration of the planning CT. We managed to completely control the tumor with the highest dose while minimizing toxicity. Low-grade neurological side effects were correlated to the positron activity measured in the spine. The biological washout of the activity from the tumor volume was dependent on the dose, indicating a potential component of vascular damage at high doses. This experiment marks the first instance of tumor treatment using RIB and paves the way for future clinical applications.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2020

The FragmentatiOn Of Target Experiment (FOOT) and its DAQ system

The FragmentatiOn Of Target (FOOT) experiment aims to provide precise nuclear cross-section measurements for two different fields: hadrontherapy and radio-protection in space. The main reason is the important role the nuclear fragmentation process plays in both fields, where the health risks caused by radiation are very similar and mainly attributable to the fragmentation process. The FOOT experiment has been developed in such a way that the experimental setup is easily movable and fits the space limitations of the experimental and treatment rooms available in hadrontherapy treatment centers, where most of the data takings are carried out. The Trigger and Data Acquisition system needs to follow the same criteria and it should work in different laboratories and in different conditions. It has been designed to acquire the largest sample size with high accuracy in a controlled and online-monitored environment. The data collected are processed in real-time for quality assessment and are available to the DAQ crew and detector experts during data taking.

physics.ins-det↗