Assessment of an Unshielded Electron Field Diode Dosimeter for Beam Scanning in Small- to Medium-Sized 6 MV Photon Fields

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

1 1- Center for Research in Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2- Physics Unit, Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, and Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Physics Unit, Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

4 Department of Medical Radiation and Radiation Research Center, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Radiotherapy planning systems require many percentage depth dose (PDD) and profile measurements and there are various dosimeters that can be used to obtain these scans. As dose perturbation is particularly troublesome in smaller photon fields, using a low-perturbation, unshielded electron field diode (EFD) in these fields is of interest. The aim of this work was to investigate the suitability of an unshielded diode for beam scanning in 3×3 cm2, 5×5 cm2, and 10×10 cm2, 6 MV fields.
Materials and Methods
An EFD was used for all the scans. For comparisons in profile measurements, a tungsten-shielded photon field diode (PFD) was also used. PDDs were measured using the PFD and an RK ionization chamber. Results
Very good agreement (0.4%) was found between the PDDs measured with EFD and PFD for the two larger fields. However, the difference between them exceeded 1.0% slightly for the smallest field, which may be attributed to the effect of the larger PFD perturbation. The RK chamber PDDs around 10 cm depth were 1-2% lower than those measured with the diodes. There was good agreement (
Conclusion
The EFD generally agrees well with the PFD and may even perform better in smaller fields.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Medical Physics
Volume 10, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
Winter & Spring 2013
March and April 2013
Pages 51-57

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 July 2013
  • Revise Date: 22 November 2012
  • Accept Date: 12 March 2013

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