title: Reference radiochromic film dosimetry: Review of technical aspects.
abstract: For decades, film was used as a powerful two-dimensional (2D) dosimetry tool for radiotherapy treatment verification and quality assurance. Unlike the old silver-halide based radiographic films, radiochromic films change its color upon irradiation without the need for chemical development. Radiation dose deposited within a sensitive layer of the radiochromic film initiates polymerization of the active component, the degree of which depends on the amount of energy deposited. Response of the film to radiation is commonly expressed in terms of optical density change, which can be easily measured by any photometric device. However, a number of factors may have an impact on the signal detected by the measuring device. This review summarizes technical aspects associated with the establishment of reference radiochromic film dosimetry and its subsequent use for either clinical or research applications.
authors.affiliation: Medical Physics Unit, Department of Radiation Oncology, SMBD Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Electronic address: slobodan.devic@mcgill.ca.
authors.forename: Slobodan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Devic
authors.affiliation: Medical Physics Unit, Department of Radiation Oncology, SMBD Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Nada
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tomic
authors.affiliation: RCF Consulting, LLC, 54 Benedict Road, Monroe, Connecticut 06468.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D005373:Film Dosimetry / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012016:Reference Values
keywords: Diagnostic radiology; Radiochromic film dosimetry; Radiotherapy