title: The Clatterbridge high-energy neutron facility: dosimetry intercomparisons.
abstract: Dosimetry intercomparisons have been performed between the Clatterbridge high-energy neutron facility and the following institutions, all employing beams with similar neutron energies: Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium; University of Washington, Seattle, USA; MD Anderson Hospital, Houston, USA; and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, USA. The purpose of the intercomparison was to provide a basis for the exchange of dose-response data and to facilitate the involvement of Clatterbridge in collaborative clinical trials. Tissue-equivalent ionization chambers were used by the participants in each intercomparison to compare measurements of total (neutron plus gamma) absorbed dose in the host institution's neutron beam, following calibration of the chambers in a reference photon beam. The effects of differences in exposure standards, chamber responses in the neutron beams and protocol-dependent dosimetry factors were all investigated. It was concluded that the overall difference in the measurement of absorbed dose relative to that determined by the Clatterbridge group was less than 2%.
authors.affiliation: Mersey Regional Centre for Radiotherapy and Oncology, Merseyside.
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Blake
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Bonnett
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eenmaa
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Otte
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Awschalom
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tatcher
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vynckier
mesh_terms: D002138:Calibration; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005214:Fast Neutrons; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D009502:Neutrons; D010315:Particle Accelerators; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage