Ultra-fast dosimetric data collection with a commercial plastic scintillation detector in an MR-linac

Plastic scintillation detectors (PSD) are widely used for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation. These detectors are versatile, with high efficiency, fast response and the ability to provide real-time measurements.

Evaluate the suitability of Blue Physics PSD (BP-PSD) for performing ultra-fast dosimetric commissioning measurements with high accuracy and precision in a very short time.

Ultra-fast measurements were performed in water using a BP-PSD on an Elekta Unity MR-linac. Percentage depth doses (PDD) and profiles at different depths were measured at two movement velocities, 10 mm/s and 20 mm/s, for field sizes ranging from 10 × 10 cm² to 1 × 1 cm². Gamma analysis was conducted to compare these measurements with those obtained during machine commissioning using a PTW Semiflex 3D ionization chamber (for PDD) and a PTW micro-Diamond detector (for PDD and profiles). Gamma criteria of 2%/2 mm and 1%/1 mm dose difference/distance to agreement were studied, alongside field size, penumbra, and measurement time.

All PDD and profile gamma passing rates were 100% at 2%/2 mm. At the stricter 1%/1 mm criteria, all PDD showed a passing rate above 96.97% for both velocities, with most of the profiles exceeding 95% at 10 mm/s and 90% at 20 mm/s. Gamma analysis results were superior for smaller fields (1 × 1 cm² and 2 × 2 cm²) and generally better at 10 mm/s. On average, the penumbra measurements obtained with the PSD were greater than those achieved with the micro-Diamond detector. Measurement times were found to be between 7 and 14 times shorter for PDD, and between 5 and 9 times shorter for profiles at speeds of 10 mm/s and 20 mm/s, respectively.

Ultra-fast measurements using the Blue Physics PSD are suitable for acquiring dosimetric commissioning data with high accuracy and precision, and can be performed in a much shorter timeframe than with commonly used detectors.