A depth-dose measuring device using a multichannel scintillating fiber array for electron beam therapy

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Accurate dose measurement is crucial for effective electron beam therapy.
• Conventional methods can be time-consuming and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel, rapid depth-dose measurement system for electron beam therapy.
• To assess the system's accuracy and efficiency compared to standard techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilized plastic scintillating fiber detectors within a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantom.
• Measured output photons proportional to absorbed dose, converting them to electrical signals via photodiodes.
• Processed signals using a multichannel analog-digital converter and personal computer for depth-dose curve generation.

Main Results:

• Generated depth-dose curves within 5 seconds for electron beam energies from 4 to 21 MeV.
• Estimated mean electron energies and PMMA depth-scaling factors showed consistency with ion chamber measurements in water.
• The system demonstrated simplicity and speed in dose measurement.

Conclusions:

• The developed scintillating fiber system offers a simple, fast, and accurate method for depth-dose measurement.
• This system is suitable for routine quality assurance in electron beam therapy.
• It provides a viable alternative to conventional dosimetry methods.