Comparison of activation products and induced dose rates in different high-energy medical linear accelerators

Sequences of in situ gamma spectra, accompanied by continuous dose rate measurements, have been obtained at the isocenters of four different brands of high-energy medical linear accelerators shortly after beam-off in order to study the effects of radioactivation. Spectral analysis revealed up to 20 different radionuclides per machine, with a total of 21 found isotopes having half-lives between 2.3 min and 5.3 y. Important isotopes as judged from activity, dose rate, and half-life were Al, Mn, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, Cu, Sb, W, and Au. Dose rates at isocenter calculated from the results of spectrum analysis ranged between 0.78 and 3.16 microSv h after beam-off, decaying to values between 0.18 and 0.54 microSv h within 30 min. Measured dose rates were systematically higher by up to a factor of 2, which is attributed mainly to the effect of beta radiation. No systematic dependence on machine properties or manufacturer could be identified. Assuming realistic working scenarios, absorbed dose values for the radiotherapy technologist staff range between 0.62 and 2.53 mSv y.