Comparison of Dosimetry Protocols for Electron Beam Radiotherapy Calibrations and Measurement Uncertainties

This paper presents guidelines for the calibration of radiation beams that were issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA TRS 398), the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM TG 51) and the German task group (DIN 6800-2). These protocols are based on the use of an ionization chamber calibrated in terms of absorbed dose to water in a standard laboratory’s reference quality beam, where the previous protocols were based on air kerma standards. This study aims to determine uncertainties in dosimetry for electron beam radiotherapy using internationally established high-energy radiotherapy beam calibration standards. Methods: Dw was determined in 6-, 12- and 18 MeV electron energies under reference conditions using three cylindrical and two plane-parallel ion chambers in concert with the IAEA TRS 398, AAPM TG 51 and DIN 6800-2 absorbed dose protocols. From mean measured Dw values, the ratio TRS 398/TG 51 was found to vary between 0.988 and 1.004, while for the counterpart TRS 398/DIN 6800-2 and TG 51/DIN 6800-2, the variation ranges were 0.991–1.003 and 0.997–1.005, respectively. For the cylindrical chambers, the relative combined uncertainty (k = 1) in absorbed dose measurements was 1.44%, while for the plane-parallel chambers, it ranged from 1.53 to 1.88%. Conclusions: A high degree of consistency was demonstrated among the three protocols. It is suggested that in the use of the presently determined dose conversion factors across the three protocols, dose intercomparisons can be facilitated between radiotherapy centres.

Full-factor matrix model of accuracy of dimensions performed on multi-purpose CNC machines

Introduction. One of the main reasons that modern multi-purpose CNC machines do not use the capabilities of multi-tool processing is the lack of recommendations for design in this direction and, accordingly, for adjustment schemes. The study of the possibilities of multi-tool processing on multi-purpose machines is the subject of the work. The purpose of research: The problem of developing full-factor matrix models of dimensional accuracy and its sensitivity to the machining process is considered to increase the machining efficiency while ensuring machining accuracy using the technological capabilities of multi-tool machining on modern multi-purpose CNC machines. For this purpose, full-factor matrix models of the size scattering fields performed on multi-tool double-carriage adjustments have been developed, taking into account the cases of processing parts with dimensions that differ sharply in different directions, which are often encountered in practice, and in this case, the significant influence of the turns of the workpiece on the processing error, especially in directions with sharply different overall dimensions. Results of research: The developed accuracy models make it possible to calculate not only plane-parallel displacements of the technological system for double-carriage adjustments, but also angular displacements around base points, take into account the combined effect of many factors – a complex characteristic of the subsystems of the technological system (plane-parallel matrix of compliance and angular matrix of compliance), the geometry of the cutting tool , the amount of bluntness of the tool, cutting conditions, etc. As a result, based on the developed accuracy models, it is possible to obtain several ways to control multi-tool machining, including improving the structure of multi-tool adjustments, calculating the limiting values of cutting conditions. Based on the developed full-factor matrix models, it became possible to develop recommendations for the design of adjustments and the creation of an automated design system for multi-tool machining for a group of modern multi-purpose CNC lathes. Scope of the results: The results obtained can be used to create mathematical support for the design of operations in CAD-systems provided for multi-tool multi-carriage machining performed on multi-purpose machines. Conclusions: The developed models and methodology for simulating the machining accuracy make it possible to increase the accuracy and efficiency of simultaneous machining, to predict the machining accuracy within the specified conditions.

Effect of nanocoating morphology on the signal of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

The paper considers the application of the traditional X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methodology: the Overlayer Thickness Determination for the analysis of coating parameters. In particular situations considered in this work, it is energetically favorable for the atoms of the coating to form clusters, but not be evenly distributed on the surface of the substrate material. The change in the XPS signal is analyzed in situations when the coating is not a plane-parallel homogeneous layer, but an island (cluster) structure. The mathematical model of the XPS signal formation is considered for the case of the cluster covering in the form of parallelepipeds. Photoelectron path distributions (in the coating material) analysis indicated a strong dependence of the signal on the viewing angle. For the purpose of analysis, experimental spectra were obtained for several samples: gold depositions of various thicknesses on a silicon substrate. The spectra were measured for different viewing angles of photoelectrons and interpreted within the Straight Line Approximation (SLA). It is shown that proposed simplest model of an island coating allows to describe the effect of a decrease in the value of the effective average coating thickness, determined in plane-parallel geometry, with an increase in the viewing angle, observed in XPS experiments with angular resolution.

Grouping of particles in a wideband ultrasonic field

In this paper, we propose to expand the capabilities of wideband levitation and show the possibility of forming a structure of a complex shape based on focusing a wideband field in a given area. Focusing the field of planar radiating arrays makes it possible to form a region of stable levitation in a plane parallel to the arrays. The counter radiation of the two arrays creates a standing wave, at the nodes of which the particles are grouped. The use of a wideband signal makes it possible to create many stable nodes of standing waves in specified areas, and to realize the required shape of the levitating object. Simultaneous monitoring of multiple particles in a wideband ultrasonic field may become a new direction in the development of methods of acoustic trapping and control of particles, as well as technologies of acoustic tweezers.

Dosimetric accuracy of a cross-calibration coefficient for plane-parallel ionization chamber obtained in low-energy electron beams using various cylindrical dosimeters

Introduction: The accuracy of the cross-calibration procedure depends on ionization chamber type, both used as reference one and under consideration. Also, the beam energy and phantom medium could influence the precision of cross calibration coefficient, resulting in a systematic error in dose estimation and thus could influence the linac beam output checking. This will result in a systematic mismatch between dose calculated in treatment planning system and delivered to the patient. Material and methods: The usage of FC65-G, CC13 and CC01 thimble reference chambers as well as 6, 9, and 15 MeV electron beams has been analyzed. A plane-parallel PPC05 chamber was calibrated since scarce literature data are available for this dosimeter type. The influence of measurement medium and an effective point of measurement (EPOM) on obtained results are also presented. Results: Dose reconstruction precision of ~0.1% for PPC05 chamber could be obtained when cross-calibration is based on a thimble CC13 chamber. Nd,w,Qcross obtained in beam ≥ 9MeV gives 0.1 – 0.5% precision of dose reconstruction. Without beam quality correction, 15 MeV Nd,w,Qcross is 10% lower than Co-60 Nd,w,0. Various EPOM shifts resulted in up to 0.6% discrepancies in Nd,w,Qcross values. Conclusions: Ionization chamber with small active volume and tissue-equivalent materials supplies more accurate cross-calibration coefficients in the range of 6 – 15 MeV electron beams. In the case of 6 and 9 MeV beams, the exact position of an effective point of measurement is of minor importance. In-water cross-calibration coefficient can be used in a solid medium without loss of dose accuracy.