An optical edge detector for the accurate delineation of the light field in radiotherapy machines

A hand-held detector was developed which allows for the unambiguous and consistent determination of the edge of the light (optical) field on treatment machines conveniently and practically. The design incorporates an electronic circuit using three miniature photodiodes. The complete module is housed conveniently in a hand-held box measuring 6 cm x 10 cm x 1.5 cm. The device eliminates any observer subjectivity on the position of the edge of the light field and hence facilitates greatly any commissioning and quality assurance procedures requiring light-radiation field coincidence. Other applications are possible, including alignment of the light field on patients.