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High-resolution dosimetry using radiochromic film and a document scanner
M A Stevens1, J R Turner, R P Hugtenburg
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
A novel method using document scanners accurately images radiochromic film for high-resolution radiation dose mapping. This technique offers advantages over traditional densitometry for precise radiation dosimetry.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiotherapy Dosimetry
- Image Analysis
Background:
- Radiochromic film is widely used for radiation dosimetry.
- Conventional densitometry methods for reading radiochromic film can be limited in resolution and accuracy.
- There is a need for improved methods for analyzing radiochromic film to obtain precise dose distributions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a new method for reading exposed radiochromic film using a document scanner.
- To compare the performance of the scanner-based method with conventional broad-band densitometry.
- To demonstrate the application of the scanner-based method for measuring dose distribution in a clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- Exposed radiochromic films were imaged using a standard document scanner and associated software.
- A calibration curve was established to correlate scanner signal intensity with radiation dose.
- Image analysis software was used to generate high-resolution dose maps from the scanned images.
- Dose distributions were measured using both the scanner method and a broad-band densitometer for comparison.
- The technique was applied to measure dose distribution around a COMS-type ophthalmic applicator.
Main Results:
- The document scanner method provides high-resolution dose maps of exposed radiochromic film.
- A reliable calibration was achieved, enabling accurate dose determination across the film.
- Results obtained using the scanner method showed comparable or superior performance to a broad-band densitometer.
- The technique successfully measured the dose distribution around a COMS-type ophthalmic applicator.
Conclusions:
- Document scanner-based imaging offers a practical and advantageous alternative to conventional densitometry for radiochromic film analysis.
- This method allows for high-resolution, quantitative radiation dosimetry with readily available equipment.
- The technique is suitable for evaluating dose distributions in various radiotherapy applications, including ophthalmic brachytherapy.