Three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging of muon beam using a plastic scintillator plate in water

Abstract Although optical imaging of muon beams is a possible method for range determination, it has been limited to two-dimensional (2D) projection images. For the precise measurement of an optical image of a muon beam, three-dimensional (3D) imaging is desired. To measure a 3D optical image, we conducted optical imaging of muon beams using a plastic scintillator plate set in a water phantom. When this plate was immersed in the water phantom, irradiation with a positive muon beam was carried out from along the plate’s sides. Optical images of the scintillator plate were acquired using a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera from the side during irradiation with a positive muon beam. The imaging system was moved in 10-mm steps perpendicular to the beam direction to acquire a set of sliced optical images of the beam. These sliced images were stacked and interpolated to form a 3D optical image, and the depth and lateral profiles were evaluated. From the depth profiles derived from the 3D optical image, the Bragg peak position was estimated. The lateral profiles at the Bragg peak could also be derived. We confirmed that 3D imaging of muon beams is feasible and in fact a promising method for measuring sliced optical images at any position, which is a capability that is useful for research on muon beams as well as for future muon radiotherapy .