Extrapolated surface dose measurements have been performed using radiographic film to measure 2-Dimensional maps of skin and surface dose with and without a magnetic deflector device aimed at reducing surface dose. Experiments are also performed using an Attix parallel plate ionisation chamber for comparison to radiographic film extrapolation surface dose analysis. Extrapolated percentage surface dose assessments from radiographic film at the central axis of a 6 MV x-ray beam with magnetic deflector for field size 10 x 10 cm2, 15 x 15 cm2 and 20 x 20 cm2 are 9 +/- 3%, 13 +/- 3% and 16 +/- 3%, these compared to 14 +/- 3%, 19 +/- 3%, and 27 +/- 3% for open fields, respectively. Results from Attix chamber for the same field size are 12 +/- 1%, 15 +/- 1% and 18 +/- 1%, these compared to 16 +/- 1%, 21 +/- 1% and 27 +/- 1% for open fields, respectively. Results are also shown for profiles measured in-plane and cross-plane to the magnetic deflector and compared to open field data. Results have shown that the surface dose is reduced at all sites within the treatment field with larger reductions seen on one side of the field due to the sweeping nature of the designed magnetic field. Radiographic film extrapolation provides an advanced surface dose assessment and has matched well with Attix chamber results. Film measurement allows for easy 2 dimensional dose assessments.

A colorimetric liquid sensor based on a poly(vinyl alcohol)/silver nanoparticle (PVA/AgNPs) hybrid nanomaterial was developed for gamma radiation in the range of 0–100 Gy. In this study, gamma rays (Cobalt-60 source) triggered the aggregation of AgNPs in a PVA/silver nitrate (AgNO3) hybrid solution. The color of this solution visibly changed from colorless to dark yellow. Absorption spectra of the PVA/AgNPs solution were analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry in the range of 350–800 nm. Important parameters, such as pH and AgNO3 concentration were optimized. The accuracy, sensitivity, stability, and uncertainty of the sensor were investigated and compared to the reference standard dosimeter. Based on the spectrophotometric results, an excellent positive linear correlation (r = 0.998) between the absorption intensity and received dose was found. For the accuracy, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between the PVA/AgNPs sensor and the standard Fricke dosimeter was 0.998 (95%CI). The sensitivity of this sensor was 2.06 times higher than the standard dosimeter. The limit of detection of the liquid dosimeter was 13.4 Gy. Moreover, the overall uncertainty of this sensor was estimated at 4.962%, in the acceptable range for routine standard dosimeters (<6%). Based on its dosimetric performance, this new PVA/AgNPs sensor has potential for application as an alternative gamma sensor for routine dose monitoring in the range of 13.4–100 Gy.

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Background: Patient's conebeam computer tomography (CBCT) images have suggested a possibility for adaptive radiotherapy although the dose delivery is of structural complexity. It is of practical importance to verify and test the intensity-modulated radiation (IMRT) planning system for radiation therapy. Objective: Verify accuracy of dose calculations based on CBCT imaging. Materials and methods: Electron density calibration curve was generated for planning CT and CBCT data set using two CT phantoms (Gammex RMI® and Catphan® 600). Anthropomorphic head and neck phantom images were acquired from planning CT and CBCT. The routine IMRT technique was generated on the planning CT, which was applied to the CBCT. Dose distributions were computed. All LiF TLD-100 dosimeters were calibrated with gamma-ray. Forty-eight TLD measuring points were chosen in five different slices of the phantom. Measurements were repeated four times, and the average dose was compared to the reading doses on both CT and CBCT plans. Dose volume histograms (DVH) of various structures were generated, and dose statistics were analyzed. Results: Hounsfield unit obtained from Catphan phantom was similar between planning CT and CBCT. IMRT dose calculations based on the planning CT and CBCT agreed well with reading doses at 48 points. Statistical point doses by DVH calculation on CBCT were about 3% lower than those by the conventional CT. Dose ratios calculated over measured ones ranged from 0.82 to 1.09. Conclusion: Point doses and DVH calculations based on the planning CT and on-board CBCT were in acceptable agreement. CT phantom specifically designed for CBCT is recommended to improve accuracy of IMRT dose calculation on CBCT images.