Performance of a direct-detection active matrix flat panel dosimeter (AMFPD) for IMRT measurements

The dosimetric performance of a direct-detection active matrix flat panel dosimeter (AMFPD) is reported for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) measurements. The AMFPD consists of a-Si : H photodiodes and thin-film transistors deposited on a glass substrate with no overlying scintillator screen or metal plate. The device is operated at 0.8 frames per second in a continuous acquisition or fluoroscopic mode. The effect of the applied bias voltage across the photodiodes on the response of the AMFPD was evaluated because this parameter affects dark signal, lag contributions, and pixel sensitivity. In addition, the AMPFD response was evaluated as a function of dose, dose rate, and energy, for static fields at 10 cm depth. In continuous acquisition mode, the AMFPD maintained a linear dose response (r2 > 0.99999) up to at least 1040 cGy. In order to obtain reliable integrated dose results for IMRT fields, the effects of lag on the radiation signal were minimized by operating the system at the highest frame rate and at an appropriate reverse bias voltage. Segmental MLC and dynamic MLC IMRT fields were measured with the AMFPD, and the results were compared to film, using standard methods for reliable film dosimetry. Both AMFPD and film measurements were independently converted to dose in cGy. Gamma and chi values were calculated as indices of agreement. The results from the AMFPD were in excellent agreement with those from film. When 2% of D(max) and 2 mm of distance to agreement were used as the criteria, 98% of the region of interest (defined as the region where dose is greater than 5% of D(max)) satisfied [chi] < or = 1 on average across the cases that were tested.