Polymer gel dosimetry.
Polymer gel dosimeters are fabricated from radiation sensitive chemicals which, upon irradiation, polymerize as a function of the absorbed radiation dose. These gel dosimeters, with the capacity to uniquely record the radiation dose distribution in three-dimensions (3D), have specific advantages when compared to one-dimensional dosimeters, such as ion chambers, and two-dimensional dosimeters, such as film. These advantages are particularly significant in dosimetry situations where steep dose gradients exist such as in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery. Polymer gel dosimeters also have specific advantages for brachytherapy dosimetry. Potential dosimetry applications include those for low-energy x-rays, high-linear energy transfer (LET) and proton therapy, radionuclide and boron capture neutron therapy dosimetries. These 3D dosimeters are radiologically soft-tissue equivalent with properties that may be modified depending on the application. The 3D radiation dose distribution in polymer gel dosimeters may be imaged using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical-computerized tomography (optical-CT), x-ray CT or ultrasound. The fundamental science underpinning polymer gel dosimetry is reviewed along with the various evaluation techniques. Clinical dosimetry applications of polymer gel dosimetry are also presented.
Baldock
C
C
Institute of Medical Physics, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Australia. c.baldock@physics.usyd.edu.au
De Deene
Y
Y
Doran
S
S
Ibbott
G
G
Jirasek
A
A
Lepage
M
M
McAuley
K B
KB
Oldham
M
M
Schreiner
L J
LJ
D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D011108:Polymers; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods*; D011878:Radiotherapy; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D005782:Gels; D011108:Polymers