Comprehensive evaluation of the high-resolution diode array for SRS dosimetry.

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Dosimetry

Background:

• Accurate radiation dose measurement is critical for effective cancer treatment.
• High-resolution diode arrays offer potential for improved patient dosimetry.
• Comprehensive evaluation of new dosimetry equipment is essential before clinical implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively evaluate a novel high-resolution diode array for radiation dosimetry.
• To validate the array's performance for both conventional and flattening filter-free (FFF) 6MV photon beams.
• To assess the array's accuracy in various clinical scenarios, including Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) plans.

Main Methods:

• A 1013-detector diode array on printed circuit boards (PCBs) was evaluated.
• Correction factors for diode response, linearity, repetition rate, field size, and angular dependence were determined.
• End-to-end tests compared array and radiochromic film dose distributions for SRS plans.
• Performance was assessed using 6MV and 6MV FFF beams, with comparisons to ion chamber and scintillator measurements.

Main Results:

• The diode array showed excellent dose accuracy, with average errors within 1% for various angular and positional tests.
• End-to-end tests for SRS plans achieved a 97.2% passing rate with 2%/1mm gamma analysis against film.
• Submillimeter (≤0.5 mm) dose profile alignment with film was consistently achieved.
• Output factor measurements were within 2% of scintillator measurements, with a minor deviation for a small field size.

Conclusions:

• The high-resolution diode array is a reliable and accurate tool for radiation dosimetry in clinical settings.
• The array's performance is suitable for precise dose verification in advanced radiotherapy techniques like SRS.
• The comprehensive validation confirms the array's potential to enhance patient safety and treatment efficacy.