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New technologies: superconducting magnets

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Abstract

Purpose

Hadron therapy, utilizing carbon Ions and protons, is a promising medical treatment for cancer. However, the effectiveness of carbon ions is constrained by infrastructure limitations, particularly in accelerator halls with standard resistive magnet synchrotrons and gantries. The advent of superconducting (SC) magnets presents a transformative solution. The purpose of this study is to give an overview of the superconducting magnets projects led by INFN focused on the hadron therapy.

Methods

In the introduction the study analyzes the current infrastructure limitations of hadron Therapy. Furthermore, ongoing European projects such as HITRIplus, I.FAST, and SIG, driven by the INFN, are examined to highlight the momentum toward SC magnets in hadron therapy. Initiatives like ESABLIM and IRIS, emphasizing energy-saving technologies, are also discussed in the context of operational infrastructure plans.

Results

The implementation of superconducting magnets in hadron therapy gantries yields significant advantages. These include a substantial reduction in weight, a decrease in the number of required magnets, a smaller footprint, and lower costs. Moreover, compact accelerators and gantries minimize the need for extensive civil construction. The reduction in power consumption further underscores the superiority of SC magnets over their normal conducting counterparts.

Conclusion

The integration of superconducting magnets in heavy ions facilities for medical applications offers more compact and economically sustainable structures. Collaborative projects like HITRIplus, SIG, I.FAST, ESABLIM, and IRIS are advancing superconducting magnet technology for medical accelerators and gantry magnets. This mutual interest between superconducting magnet technology and hadron therapy signifies promising advancements in healthcare innovation.

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Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges Sandro Rossi, General Director of CNAO and Coordinator of the H2020-HITRIplus project, for his invaluable support and guidance. Special appreciation is also due to Lucio Rossi (University of Milan), who served as the project leader of the IRIS project, Marco Prioli (INFN-LASA), who led WP2 of the SIG project, and Samuele Mariotto (University of Milan), for his role in overseeing the ESABLIM program at the University of Milan. Furthermore, I would like to express my appreciation to all the colleagues involved in WP8s of the HITRIplus and I.FAST projects, and colleagues of INFN-LASA for their contributions and collaboration throughout this endeavor.

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  1. Laboratory of Accelerators and Applied Superconductivity (LASA), Milan Section, National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), via F.lli Cervi 201, Segrate, Milan, 20054, Italy

    Ernesto De Matteis

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Correspondence to Ernesto De Matteis.

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De Matteis, E. New technologies: superconducting magnets. Health Technol. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12553-024-00849-4

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