The MERLINO project: characterization of LaBr3:Ce detectors for stopping power monitoring in proton therapy

The MERLINO project is developing a multi-detector setupwith the goal of evaluating the beam stopping power from Prompt-Gamma-Timing measurements in proton therapy. The detectors are based on the cerium-doped lanthanum bromide crystal, LaBr3:Ce, coupled to photomultiplier tubes. The systemcharacterization is ongoing and the first calibrationmeasurementswith two detectors showed 124 ps sigma and sigma E/E = 3% for the timing and energy resolution, respectively. The measured experimental parameters were then used to carry out a preliminary estimation of the stopping power. Results from the simulation of a 189 MeV proton beam impinging on an homogeneous phantom are presented for the optimisation of the MERLINO detector setup.