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In this work, a new method of range verification for proton therapy (PT) is experimentally demonstrated for the first time. If a metal marker is implanted near the tumour site, its response to proton activation will result in the emission of characteristic γ rays. The relative intensity of γ rays originating from competing fusion-evaporation reaction channels provides a unique signature of the average proton energy at the marker, and by extension the beam's range, in vivo and in real time. The clinical feasibility of this method was investigated at the PT facility at TRIUMF with a proof-of-principle experiment which irradiated a naturally-abundant molybdenum foil at various proton beam energies. Delayed characteristic γ rays were measured with two Compton-shielded LaBr3 scintillators. The technique was successfully demonstrated by relating the relative intensity of two γ-ray peaks to the energy of the beam at the Mo target, opening the door to future clinical applications where the range of the beam can be verified in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over a 12 year period, the 8β γ-ray spectrometer at the TRIUMFISAC facility was a world unique device for β-decay studies. Equipped with a variety of auxiliary devices, it was used in studies of Fermi superallowed β+ emitters, and nuclear structure studies far from stability and those employing high-statistics measurements. In the present contribution, this latter use is highlighted with examples of recent data obtained in the decay of 122Cs to 122Xe. The 8β spectrometer was replaced with the much more powerful GRIFFIN facility in 2014, ensuring world-leading capability for γ-ray spectroscopy following β decay at TRIUMF-ISAC for the next generation. Examples that highlight GRIFFIN's capabilities are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]