The extended net fractional depth dose: correction for inhomogeneities, including effects of electron transport in photon beam dose calculation.
The extended net fractional depth dose (ENFD) is developed from the net fractional depth dose (NFD) previously described for unit-density media, basically by scaling the two geometric parameters, the side of the equivalent square field, and the depth along the ray by the relative electron density. Specifically, in the analytical description for the NFD, the geometric depth is replaced by the radiologic depth and, along the ray path, the geometric field side is scaled by the relative electron density. Interface effects on the electron and scattered-photon fluences are accounted for. In addition, a simple function is developed to correct for the effect of lateral as well as longitudinal electron transport at the central ray. In the present work the inhomogeneities are assumed to be of planar parallel shape and to extend across the entire beam. The treatment of smaller inhomogeneities is outlined but will be treated in detail separately. Calculated results are compared to measured and calculated data from the literature for 60Co and 10-MV x-rays, and to 15-MV data measured at the NCI.
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