Development of a novel Proton CT device

We participate in the Bergen pCT collaboration, formed for the development of a sampling calorimeter to be used for imaging in cancer therapy. Irradiation of cancer tumors using well-focused hadron beams can be a very effective treatment as the patient receives less unnecessary dose, thus allowing for a deposit of high destructive dose close to the critical organs. Most commonly proton beams are used, but there are investigations with heavier hadrons like Helium [16]. The ALPIDE calorimeter (Fig. 1) is based on the silicon pixel detector developed for the upgrade of the Inner Tracking System of ALICE. We have estimated the performance of the detector design using Monte Carlo simulations [1]. The ALPIDE detectors are already being produced and tested, and the group is currently working on the last refinements of the electronics and mechanics.