Modeling the head of PRIMUS linear accelerator for electron-mode at 10 MeV for different applicators.

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study is to validate the utilization of Monte Carlo (MC) simulation to model the head of Primus linear accelerator, thereafter, using it to estimate the energy fluence distribution (EFD), the percentage depth dose (PDD), and beam profiles.Materials and MethodsThe BEAMNRC code that is based on the EGSNRC code has been used for modeling the linear accelerator head for 10 MeV electron beam with different applicator sizes (10 × 10, 15 × 15, and 20 × 20 cm2). The phase space was acquired from BEAMNRC at the end of each applicator and then used as an input file to DOSXYZNRC and BEAMDP to calculate the EFD, PDD, and beam profiles.ResultsThere were a good consistency between the outcomes of the MC simulation and measured PDD and off‐axis dose profiles that performed in a water phantom for all applicators. The PDD for the applicators proved to be favorable as a direct comparison of R100, R90, R80, and R50 yielded results of < 2 mm, while it was 6 mm in R100 for the applicator 15 × 15 cm2. The discrepancies in the surface doses (<3%) showed a quick decline in the build‐up region and differences reached 0% within the first 2.4 mm. For the beam profiles comparison, the differences ranged from 2% (2 mm) to 3% (6 mm) for all applicators.ConclusionOur examination demonstrated that the MC simulation by BEAMNRC code was accurate in modeling the Primus linear accelerator head.