A dosimetric system for quantitative cell irradiation experiments with laser-accelerated protons

Phys Med Biol. 2011 Mar 21;56(6):1529-43. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/56/6/002. Epub 2011 Feb 16.

Abstract

An integrated dosimetry and cell irradiation system (IDOCIS) with laser-accelerated proton beams was developed, characterized, calibrated and successfully used for systematic in vitro experiments. Due to the broad exponentially shaped energy spectrum, the low-energy range of the protons (<20 MeV) and the high pulse dose, the absolute dosimetry for this beam quality is challenging. Therefore, a dedicated Faraday cup is used as an energy and dose rate independent absolute dosimeter that has been calibrated consistently with three independent methods. A transmission ionization chamber providing online relative dose information is cross-calibrated against the Faraday cup. Providing both online and absolute dose information, the IDOCIS allows for quantitative dosimetric and radiobiological studies at current low-energy laser-accelerated proton beams. Finally, first dosimetric characterizations of a laser-accelerated proton beam with the IDOCIS are presented.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calibration
  • Cells / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • Lasers*
  • Protons
  • Radiometry / instrumentation*
  • Radiometry / methods
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Radiotherapy, High-Energy / instrumentation*
  • Radiotherapy, High-Energy / methods

Substances

  • Protons