Feasibility of Ultra-Thin Fiber-Optic Dosimeters for Radiotherapy Dosimetry

Sensors (Basel). 2015 Nov 17;15(11):29003-14. doi: 10.3390/s151129003.

Abstract

In this study, prototype ultra-thin fiber-optic dosimeters were fabricated using organic scintillators, wavelength shifting fibers, and plastic optical fibers. The sensor probes of the ultra-thin fiber-optic dosimeters consisted of very thin organic scintillators with thicknesses of 100, 150 and 200 μm. These types of sensors cannot only be used to measure skin or surface doses but also provide depth dose measurements with high spatial resolution. With the ultra-thin fiber-optic dosimeters, surface doses for gamma rays generated from a Co-60 therapy machine were measured. Additionally, percentage depth doses in the build-up regions were obtained by using the ultra-thin fiber-optic dosimeters, and the results were compared with those of external beam therapy films and a conventional fiber-optic dosimeter.

Keywords: Co-60; fiber-optic sensors; radiation dosimeter; radiation therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cobalt Radioisotopes
  • Equipment Design
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Fiber Optic Technology / instrumentation*
  • Optical Fibers*
  • Radiometry / instrumentation*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage*

Substances

  • Cobalt Radioisotopes