Analysis of physical parameters associated with the measurement of high-energy x-ray penumbra

The effect of dosemeter type and configuration on the measured penumbral distribution for Co-60, 6-MV, and 31-MV x rays has been determined in air using equilibrium buildup caps for three commercial detection systems including a silicon diode and two ionization chambers. The diode is shown to be measuring a different parameter in the penumbral region than the ionization chambers. This fact in combination with the lateral spread of the secondary electrons and the difference in the inside diameters of the ionization chambers results in significant differences between the measured beam penumbra. The latter effect is studied in more detail with a series of specially designed ionization chambers of varying inside diameter from 0.3 to 1.4 cm. A theoretical model is described which resolves these differences, indicates a method to determine the true penumbral primary-dose distribution and introduces the concept of an effective diameter for the ionometric measurement of high-energy x-ray penumbra. Recommendations are made concerning the dosemeters of choice for penumbral measurements over this range of photon energies.