Electron Beams Commissioning and Initial Measurements on an Elekta Synergy Platform Linear Accelerator

Abstract

A linear accelerator (Linac) must be commissioned for use in treating cancer patients. This research work aims to analyze part of the electron beam data produced by the Elekta Synergy Platform Linac at the radiotherapy department at Tripoli University Hospital, Tripoli, Libya. In this paper, percentage depth dose (PDD), beam profile and applicators factor were studied at five different electron beam energies (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 MeV). The relative measurement part of this study was carried out using a PTW MP3-M 3D water scanning system, and the absolute measurement was taken using a plane parallel ionization chamber and a unidose E electrometer. The analysis for these measurements has yielded the following results: a) The Penetrative qualities of all the electron beam energies were within the manufacturer's tolerance limits of ±1%; b) the maximum values of beam flatness of 2.94 and beam symmetry of 1.93 are within the accepted limits of International Electrotechnical Commission criteria; c) A penumbra maximum value of 1.30 was measured at the 4-MeV electron beam energy and using a 14×14 cm2 applicator size. All the obtained parameters were within the permissible limits. Therefore, the electron beams can be safely used for clinical purposes.