Design of an X-ray irradiator based on a standard imaging X-ray tube with FLASH dose-rate capabilities for preclinical research

We propose a new concept of small animal X-ray irradiator based on a conventional imaging X-ray tube for preclinical research. In this work we assessed its feasibility to deliver FLASH dose rates. Our design puts the imaging X-ray tube into a shielded cabinet, which makes the system affordable and suitable to use without disruption in existing laboratories and with minimum regulatory burden. Two conventional 150 kVp X-ray tubes were characterized with Gafchromic films for dose rates and dose uniformity. Monte Carlo simulations were also performed to model the irradiator, and the efficiencies of the tube and dose rates (with and without additional filtration) were calculated and compared with measurements. The feasibility of achieving ultra-high dose rates was determined from the rating charts provided by the manufacturer and measurements. The small animal irradiator proposed in this work was able to deliver conventional dose rate irradiation (0.5–1 Gy/min) at 150 kVp at 20 cm distance with minimum amount of filtration. FLASH irradiations (a 10 Gy dose delivered at >40 Gy/s) were also possible at the maximum capabilities of the tubes by placing the samples at the closest possible distances from the sources. A first prototype has already been built and characterized.