Abstract
.Previous work has shown that capturing optical emission from plastic discs attached directly to the skin can be a viable means to accurately measure surface dose during total skin electron therapy. This method can provide accurate dosimetric information rapidly and remotely without the need for postprocessing. The objective of this study was to: (1) improve the robustness and usability of the scintillators and (2) enhance sensitivity of the optical imaging system to improve scintillator emission detection as related to tissue surface dose. Baseline measurements of scintillator optical output were obtained by attaching the plastic discs to a flat tissue phantom and simultaneously irradiating and imaging them. Impact on underlying surface dose was evaluated by placing the discs on-top of the active element of an ionization chamber. A protective coating and adhesive backing were added to allow easier logistical use, and they were also subjected to disinfection procedures, while verifying that these changes did not affect the linearity of response with dose. The camera was modified such that the peak of detector quantum efficiency better overlapped with the emission spectra of the scintillating discs. Patient imaging was carried out and surface dose measurements were captured by the updated camera and compared to those produced by optically stimulated luminescence detectors (OSLD). The updated camera was able to measure surface dose with difference compared to OSLD–Cherenkov emission from the patient was suppressed and scintillation detection was enhanced by and , respectively. Improved scintillators increase underlying surface dose on average by and light output decreased by . Disinfection had change on scintillator light output. The enhanced sensitivity of the imaging system to scintillator optical emission spectrum can now enable a reduction in physical dimensions of the dosimeters without loss in ability to detect light output.
Highlights
Previous research has demonstrated that imaging optical scintillation from plastic targets is a viable method of conducting surface dosimetry during radiotherapy
It was concluded that the impact on surface dose following addition of a protective coating and adhesive backing is comparable to that of an optically stimulated luminescence detectors (OSLD)
In comparison, imaging scintillation provides a direct dose reporter if the optical signal can be detected in a manner that is independent of the light interaction with tissue.[14]
Summary
Previous research has demonstrated that imaging optical scintillation from plastic targets is a viable method of conducting surface dosimetry during radiotherapy. Surface dose information is obtained from light signals captured from multiple scintillator targets by an intensified and time-gated camera. This technique was designed to provide multipoint dosimetric information rapidly, remotely, and without the need for postexposure processing.[1,2] This study focuses on quantifying improvements to both the scintillator dosimeter and camera components. Scintillators were redesigned to improve durability, ease-of-use, and chemical resistance of the plastic to cleaning procedures. The spectral sensitivity of the imaging system was optimized in order to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of scintillator light emission detection
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
