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Energy dependence of radiochromic dosimetry films for use in radiotherapy verification
open access
Abstract
Aim
The purpose of the study was to examine the energy dependence of Gafchromic EBT radiochromic dosimetry films, in order to assess their potential use in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) verifications.
Materials and methods
The film samples were irradiated with doses from 0.1 to 12[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy using photon beams from the energy range 1.25[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]MeV to 25[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]MV and the film response was measured using a flat-bed scanner. The samples were scanned and the film responses for different beam energies were compared.
Results
A high uncertainty in readout of the film response was observed for samples irradiated with doses lower than 1[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy. The relative difference exceeds 20% for doses lower than 1[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy while for doses over 1[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy the measured film response differs by less than 5% for the whole examined energy range. The achieved uncertainty of the experimental procedure does not reveal any energy dependence of Gafchromic EBT film response in the investigated energy range.
Conclusions
Gafchromic EBT film does not show any energy dependence in the conditions typical for IMRT but the doses measured for pre-treatment plan verifications should exceed 1[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy.
Abstract
Aim
The purpose of the study was to examine the energy dependence of Gafchromic EBT radiochromic dosimetry films, in order to assess their potential use in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) verifications.
Materials and methods
The film samples were irradiated with doses from 0.1 to 12[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy using photon beams from the energy range 1.25[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]MeV to 25[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]MV and the film response was measured using a flat-bed scanner. The samples were scanned and the film responses for different beam energies were compared.
Results
A high uncertainty in readout of the film response was observed for samples irradiated with doses lower than 1[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy. The relative difference exceeds 20% for doses lower than 1[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy while for doses over 1[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy the measured film response differs by less than 5% for the whole examined energy range. The achieved uncertainty of the experimental procedure does not reveal any energy dependence of Gafchromic EBT film response in the investigated energy range.
Conclusions
Gafchromic EBT film does not show any energy dependence in the conditions typical for IMRT but the doses measured for pre-treatment plan verifications should exceed 1[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]Gy.
Keywords
Radiochromic films; Quality assurance; Film dosimetry
About this articleTitle
Energy dependence of radiochromic dosimetry films for use in radiotherapy verification
Journal
Reports of Practical Oncology and Radiotherapy
Issue
Pages
40-46
Published online
2010-03-01
DOI
10.1016/j.rpor.2010.02.003
Bibliographic record
Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2010;15(2):40-46.
Keywords
Radiochromic films
Quality assurance
Film dosimetry
Authors
Krzysztof Chełmiński
Wojciech Bulski
Dietmar Georg
Dominika Bodzak
Zbigniew Maniakowski
Dominika Oborska
Joanna Rostkowska
Małgorzata Kania