Semiconductor Dosimeter Research Articles

Development of a dose-rate dosimeter using a silicon photodiode for a medical linear accelerator in a 10 MV flattening filter-free mode.

This study was aimed at developing a dose-rate dosimeter to measure the instantaneous dose rate of a commercially available medical linear accelerator. A dose-rate dosimeter composed of a silicon photodiode (Si-PD), a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor single operational amplifier, a resistor of 20 MΩ, a capacitor of 100 pF, and a mini-substrate measuring 16 × 16mm2 was evaluated. Voltage outputs from the proposed dosimeter were measured using an analog-to-digital converter on a microcomputer. A custom-made x-ray tube generator at an energy of 120kV with a tube current ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 mA was used for the dose-rate calibration. Dose-rate calibration was performed 83.3mm from an x-ray source using a commercially available semiconductor dosimeter. The developed Si-PD dosimeter could measure up to 0.6 Gy/s at a distance of 19.3mm from the x-ray source. Measurements were also performed using a medical linear accelerator in a 10 MV flattening filter-free mode at depths of 0, 25, 50, and 100mm with an irradiation field of 100 × 100mm2 at a constant distance of 1000mm from the source to the dosimeter. A peak voltage variation corresponding to the instantaneous dose rate was observed using a sampling period of 1.0ms, and the peak voltages decreased with the depth. The detected pulse numbers were 512, 484, 491, and 511 at depths of 0, 25, 50, and 100mm, respectively.

Fundamental research for dose control during supine dental panoramic radiography

ObjectiveThis study aimed to control radiation doses when using a portable supine dental panoramic radiography system by measured the scattered doses. MethodThe study used LPX7007 (Asahi Roentgen) for the panoramic radiography system. The subjects comprised a cylinder phantom (QualitA) and a RANDO Phantom (Alderson). The semiconductor dosimeter was an X2 survey sensor (RaySafe). The phantom was set at a height of 1 m from the floor, and the sensor was set at 1 m from the floor at the genital level and 1.5 m at the lens level. Measurements were taken at 30°intervals clockwise from 0°at distances of 0.5 m and 1 m in radius around the phantom. The occupational exposure range was defined as 0 ± 30° and the public exposure range was defined as the occupational exposure range and 30° to 150° and 210° to 330° as the public exposure range. ResultThe highest doses were observed in the 120° and 240° directions, and the lowest in 0° ± 30° range. The lowest limit number of images taken in the occupational exposure range was 130 images at a distance of 0.5 m, 452 images at 1 m at the lens level for the cylinder phantom, and 320 images at 0.5 m and 1098 images at 1 m for the RANDO Phantom. In the public exposure range at the genital level, there was one image at 0.5 m and six images at 1 m for the cylinder phantom, and two images at 0.5 m and eight images at 1 m for the RANDO Phantom. ConclusionWe found that radiation exposure can be reduced by keeping a distance from the subject, avoiding working at 120° and 240° and staying within 0° ± 30° behind the panoramic radiography system.

Comparative evaluation of radiation detection capabilities of CsPbI2Br and CsPbIBr2 materials for the development of QA relative dosimeter for brachytherapy

High-dose-rate brachytherapy is a cancer treatment that intensively irradiates tumors by inserting radioactive isotopes with high dose rates into the body. For this treatment, it is necessary to deliver an appropriate dose to the tumor tissue through an accurate treatment plan but only deliver the minimum dose to the normal tissue. Therefore, it is imperative to verify the positional accuracy of the source through accurate quality assurance (QA) in clinical practice. However, in clinical practice, the position of the source is visually determined using rulers, automatic radiographers, video monitors, and other devices, yielding inaccurate results. In this study, a semiconductor dosimeter using either CsPbI2Br or CsPbIBr2 was manufactured. The radiation detectability of both materials was tested and compared to evaluate which of the two materials would be more suitable as the QA relative dosimeter for brachytherapy. The reproducibility, linearity, and percentage interval distance (PID) of the two materials were analyzed to evaluate the radiation detectability and applicability of the relative dosimeter. In the reproducibility evaluation, the relative standard deviation (RSD) of CsPbI2Br was 0.98%, and the RSD of CsPbIBr2 was 3.45%. In the linearity evaluation, the coefficient of determination (R2) of CsPbI2Br was 0.9998, and the R2 of CsPbIBr2 was 0.9994. In the PID evaluation, both materials showed an exponential and constant decrease in measured signal sizes as the distance from the source increased. As a result of the evaluations, the CsPbI2Br dosimeter showed greater stability in detecting radiation and satisfied the evaluation criteria. In conclusion, CsPbI2Br shows promise as a digital relative dosimeter for brachytherapy QA.

Accuracy of non-contact semiconductor X-ray analyzer for quality assurance in intraoral radiography: a comparison with ionization chamber dosimeter.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of a non-contact semiconductor X-ray analyzer for quality assurance in intraoral radiography, especially a comparison with an ionization chamber dosimeter. Intraoral radiography was performed with intraoral X-ray unit using the dental protocol at our hospital: tube voltage, 70kV; tube current, 7mA. Accuracy of dose and half-value layer (HVL) measurements was analyzed with a non-contact semiconductor X-ray analyzer and an ionization chamber dosimeter. Stability of the semiconductor sensor, effect of scattered radiation, and comparison of measured HVL between the ionization chamber and the semiconductor sensor were analyzed in this study. The values with the semiconductor sensor were tube voltage: 70.3 ± 0.2 kVp (degree of variability: 0.28%), dose: 454.1 ± 12.3μGy (degree of variability: 2.7%), and HVL: 1.91 ± 0.02 mmAl (degree of variability: 1.0%). With collimator, the dose with the semiconductor sensor and the ionization chamber decreased by 2.3 μ Gy and 5.2 μ Gy, respectively. The measured HVL of the semiconductor dosimeter was more than that of ionization chamber, and the semiconductor dosimeter was less than ionization chamber in variation of between without and with collimator. This study indicated the accuracy of a non-contact semiconductor X-ray analyzer for quality assurance in intraoral radiography, especially a comparison with an ionization chamber dosimeter. The semiconductor sensor can be useful for quality assurance in intraoral radiography.

A pilot study of half-value layer measurements using a semiconductor dosimeter for intraoral radiography.

This pilot study was conducted to evaluate half-value layer (HVL) measurements obtained using a semiconductor dosimeter for intraoral radiography. This study included 8 aluminum plates, 4 of which were low-purity (less than 99.9%) and 4 high-purity (greater than 99.9%). Intraoral radiography was performed using an intraoral X-ray unit in accordance with the dental protocol at the authors' affiliated hospital: tube voltage, 60 kVp and 70 kVp; tube current, 7 mA; and exposure time, 0.10 s. The accuracy of HVL measurements for intraoral radiography was assessed using a semiconductor dosimeter. A simple regression analysis was performed to compare the aluminum plate thickness and HVL in relation to the tube voltage (60 kVp and 70 kVp) and aluminum purity (low and high). For the low-purity aluminum plates, the HVL at 60 kVp (Y) and 70 kVp (Y) was significantly correlated with the thickness of the aluminum plate (X), with Y = 1.708 + 0.415X (r=0.999, P<0.05) and Y = 1.980 + 0.484X (r=0.999, P<0.05), respectively. Similarly, for the high-purity aluminum plates, the HVL at 60 kVp (Y) and 70 kVp (Y) was significantly correlated with the plate thickness (X), with Y = 1.696 + 0.454X (r=0.999, P<0.05) and Y = 1.968 + 0.515X (r=0.998, P<0.05), respectively. This pilot study examined the relationship between aluminum plate thickness and HVL measurements using a semiconductor dosimeter for intraoral radiography. Semiconductor dosimeters may prove useful in HVL measurement for purposes such as quality assurance in dental X-ray imaging.

СОПОСТАВЛЕНИЕ С НОРМАМИ РАДИАЦИОННОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ УРОВНЕЙ ДОЗ НА КРИТИЧЕСКИЕ ОРГАНЫ ТЕЛА ЧЕЛОВЕКА ПРИ ДЛИТЕЛЬНЫХ ПОЛЕТАХ НА ОРБИТАЛЬНЫХ СТАНЦИЯХ «МИР» И МКС

We analyzed the averaged through the year power of local tissue absorbed doses measured by the standard instruments over 15 years of station Mir operation (28 missions) and analogous data over 22 years of the International space station (ISS) operation (67 missions) within solar cycles (SCs) 22–25. This is a huge set of daily measurements of dosimeters R-16 (ioinization chamber D2) and 4 semiconductor dosimeters DB-8, located in different compartments. We also present the experimental and calculated absorbed and equivalent doses to the skin, lens and hematopoietic system (HPS) received within a day and year in space. It was found that in all Mir and ISS missions the equivalent doses to these tissues were below the limits adopted for orbital missions. In many missions of 6 to 8 months, the effective and equivalent doses to the CNS, lens and skin did not exceed even the lower dose limits prescribed by Russian radiation safety standard NRB-99/2009 for nuclear industry. Maximal equivalent dose values to the lens and skin in a year-long mission did not exceed 404 mSv. These values are less than the existing limits for space missions by 32 % for the lens and 5 times for the skin.

Clinical application of the optimized X-ray parameter model through analysis of disease risk and image quality when combining the ion chamber of automatic exposure control of digital radiography.

To present an optimized examination model by analyzing the risk of disease and image quality according to the combination of the ion chamber of automatic exposure control (AEC) with digital radiography (DR). The X-ray quality was analyzed by first calculating the percentage average error (PAE) of DR. After that, when using AEC, the combination of the ion chambers was the same as the left and centre and right, right and centre, left and centre, centre, right, and left, for a total of six. Accordingly, the entrance surface dose (ESD), risk of disease, and image quality were evaluated. ESD was obtained by attaching a semiconductor dosimeter to the L4 level of the lumbar spine, and then irradiating X-rays to dosimeter centre through average and standard deviation of radiation dose. The calculated ESD was input into the PCXMC 2.0 programme to evaluate disease risk caused by radiation. Meanwhile, image quality according to chamber combination was quantified as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) through Image J. X-ray quality of DR used in the experiment was within the normal range of±10. ESD of six ion chamber combinations was 1.363mGy, 0.964mGy, 0.946mGy, 0.866mGy, 0.748mGy, 0.726mGy for lumbar anteroposterior (AP), and the lumbar lateral values were 1.126mGy, 0.209mGy, 0.830mGy, 0.662mGy, 0.111mGy, and 0.250mGy, respectively. Meanwhile, disease risk analyzed through PCXMC 2.0 was bone marrow, colon, liver, lung, stomach, urinary and other tissue cancer, and disease risk showed a tendency to increase in proportion to ESD. SNR and CNR recorded the lowest values when three chambers were combined and did not show proportionality with dose, while showed the highest values when two chambers were combined. In this study, combination of three ion chambers showed the highest disease risk and lowest image quality. Using one ion chamber showed the lowest disease risk, but lower image quality than two ion chambers. Therefore, if considering all above factors, combination of two ion chambers can optimally maintain the disease risk and image quality. Thus, it is considered an optimal X-ray examination parameter.

Feasibility study of perovskite film dosimeter for radiotherapy quality assurance

In this study, we developed a film-type perovskite dosimeter that can be used as a radiotherapy quality assurance (QA) dosimeter while replacing the existing semiconductor dosimeter. Dosimeter performance was evaluated by reproducibility, linearity, dose rate dependence, and percentage depth dose (PDD). In terms of reproducibility, the relative standard deviation (RSD) at 6 MV and 15 MV energy were 1.058% and 1.003%, respectively. As a result of linearity, a coefficient of determination of 0.9999 was presented at 6 MV and 15 MV energies. In terms of dose rate dependence evaluation, the RSD was 1.242% and 0.628% at 6 MV and 15 MV energies, respectively. As for PDD measurement, the result of matching the Dmax point was obtained. Our analysis confirms that the perovskite film dosimeter made of CsPbBr3 was suitable for use as a QA dosimeter in radiotherapy.

Characterization of an under-development capacitor dosimeter equipped with a silicon x-ray diode.

Herein, we evaluated a capacitor dosimeter under development by a manufacturer, which is designed to monitor the entrance dose in x-ray diagnosis and comprises a silicon x-ray diode (Si-XD), a 0.1 µF capacitor, and a dosimeter dock. The Si-XD is a high-sensitivity photodiode optimized for x-ray detection. The dosimeter was charged to 3.30V using the dock before x-ray irradiation. The charging voltage was reduced by photocurrents flowing through the Si-XD during irradiation, and the discharging voltage was measured. For the fundamental characterization of this capacitor dosimeter, we investigated the x-ray tube-current and tube-voltage dependences of the measured dose using an industrial x-ray tube; the angular dependence was also investigated. A commercially available semiconductor dosimeter (RaySafe ThinX) was used for dose calibration. The doses were proportional to the tube current at a constant tube voltage of 100kV and increased with increasing tube voltage at a constant tube current of 1.0 mA. The dose difference with respect to the commercially available semiconductor dosimeter was within 1.0% when the tube current was varied and it was within 3.0% when the tube voltage was varied. In the angular dependence measurement, a difference of up to 6.0% was observed as the angle varied from 0° to 355° in steps of 5°. The dose-calibration results indicated that the determination of the initial charging voltage was important for dose conversion using the capacitor dosimeter.

Performance evaluation of lead-monoxide dosimeter with parylene coating for quality assurance of brachytherapy devices

The source position of irradiation is identified using a method that uses rulers and films for quality assurance (QA) in brachytherapy. However, this method involves a high probability of errors, because the scales are checked using the naked eye, and QA is indirectly performed using photographs. Lead monoxide (PbO) is widely used as a semiconductor dosimeter, because it is a photoconductor that generates electrons in response to electromagnetic waves. Moreover, PbO has excellent sensitivity to reflected rays, owing to its high atomic number (Z Pb: 82, Z O: 8) and density (ρPbO: 9.53 g/cm3). We applied PbO to a dosimeter for QA in a brachytherapy device and attempted to increase the signal stability with a parylene coating for performance improvement. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was performed with a PbO dosimeter that was not coated with parylene to determine whether the fabricated dosimeter is applicable as a dosimeter for QA of the brachytherapy device, by analyzing the reproducibility, linearity, percentage interval distance (PID), and angular dependence in the 192Ir source used for brachytherapy. The RSD of the non-parylene PbO dosimeter was 0.85%, and the RSD of the parylene PbO dosimeter was 0.40% in the reproducibility results. In the linearity evaluation results, the R 2 value of the non-parylene PbO dosimeter was 0.9996, and that of the parylene PbO dosimeter was 0.9997 In the PID evaluation results, the difference in the intensity distribution measured according to the distance due to the dose was attenuated at the coated parylene in the case of the parylene PbO dosimeter. Therefore, adjustments using correction coefficients are required for suitable performance. In the angular dependence evaluation results, the parylene PbO dosimeter had 3.44% less angular dependence than the non-parylene dosimeter at an angle of 45°. The parylene-coated PbO dosimeter showed better performance than the non-parylene-coated PbO dosimeter in terms of the reproducibility, linearity, and angular dependence. Therefore, it is considered that the parylene-coated PbO dosimeter can be implemented for QA of brachytherapy devices.

Development of a dose-rate dosimeter for x-ray CT scanner using silicon x-ray diode.

In an x-ray diagnosis, it is important to evaluate the entrance dose rate, as the dose rate of exposure becomes highest in that position. To investigate the effect of the entrance dose rate of x-ray CT scanners, a dose-rate dosimeter comprising a silicon x-ray diode (Si-XD), a CMOS dual operational amplifier, resistors, capacitors, and a mini-substrate measuring 20 × 17mm2 were developed. The Si-XD is desirable for measuring the changing entrance dose rate, as it enables the reduction of the response time, dimensions, and cost of the dosimeter. The dosimeter was connected to a microcomputer (mbed), and the output voltages from the dosimeter were measured using an analog-digital converter in the mbed. The output voltages were proportional to the tube currents at a constant tube voltage of 100 kV using an industrial x-ray tube, and the calibrated dose rates corresponded well to those obtained using a commercially available semiconductor dosimeter. However, owing to the energy dependence of the dosimeter, the calibrated dose rate was ∼10% higher than that of a commercially available semiconductor dosimeter at the lower tube voltage. In the angular dependence of the dosimeter, the flatness measured from 60° to 120° was ∼103% in this study. A fundamental study for measuring the dose-rate variations with rotation was performed. The results showed a different profile than the angular dependence due to the distance from the source and the complex factors of the scattered radiation.

Preliminary investigation on performance of photodiode sensor as a dosimeter

Radiation dosimetry in the health and medicine field is crucial to ensure there is no unnecessary ionizing radiation exposure to patients and personnel. While various types of semiconductor dosimeters are available, photodiode sensors are seen as a reliable and cost-effective immediate dosimeter. This study investigates the capabilities of a monolithic photodiode with an on-chip trans-impedance amplifier as a dosimeter in diagnostic radiology. A photodiode sensor covered with black insulation tape is irradiated with the diagnostic x-ray of potential in range between 40 to 90 kV with constant tube current-time product of 50 mAs at 60 cm source-to-detector distance (SDD). Exposures of different tube current at the range of 10 to 250 mA with a constant tube voltage of 70 kVp at the same setup are made. The photodiode sensor connected to the electrometer gives out readings in the millivolt (mV), and the output of the photodiode and semiconductor detector is recorded. The photodiode’s energy dependency, reproducibility, dose response, and distance dependency were evaluated as the capabilities of the photodiode to be used as a dosimeter. For energy dependency, it shows a linearity of 0.9458, while the response to increasing tube current with a constant tube voltage shows the R2 of 0.912. The photodiode shows good dependency on the tube voltage and tube current. Other than that, it also showed a linear coefficient of 0.5138 for distance dependence which is considered as a good linearity fit value for a photodiode as initial performance. However, its reproducibility is poor due to its large capacitance. This monolithic photodiode with an on-chip trans-impedance amplifier has demonstrated good results for energy dependency but poor results for reproducibility. However, the photodiode can be improvised in the future to ensure it is suitable as a dosimeter.

EXaSkin: A novel high-density bolus for 6MV X-rays radiotherapy.

To evaluate eXaSkin, a novel high-density bolus alternative to commercial tissue-equivalent Superflab, for 6MV photon-beam radiotherapy. We delivered a 10×10cm2 open field at 90° and head-and-neck clinical plan, generated with the volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique, to an anthropomorphic phantom in three scenarios: with no bolus on the phantom's surface, with Superflab, and with eXaSkin. In each scenario, we measured dose to a central planning target volume (PTV) in the nasopharynx region with an ionization chamber, and we measured dose to the skin, at three different positions within the vicinity of a neck lymph node PTV, with MOSkin™, a semiconductor dosimeter. Measurements were compared against calculations with the treatment planning system (TPS). For the static field, MOSkin results underneath the eXaSkin were in agreement with calculations to within 1.22%; for VMAT, to within 5.68%. Underneath Superflab, those values were 3.36% and 11.66%. The inferior agreement can be explained by suboptimal adherence of Superflab to the phantom's surface as well as difficulties in accurately reproducing its placement between imaging and treatment session. In all scenarios, dose measured at the central target agreed to within 1% with calculations. eXaSkin was shown to have superior adaptation to the phantom's surface, producing minimal air gaps between the skin surface and bolus, allowing for accurate positioning and reproducibility of set-up conditions. eXaSkin with its high density material provides sufficient build-up to achieve full skin dose with less material thickness than Superflab.

Evaluation of polycrystalline thallium (I) bromide dosimeter for radiotherapy quality assurance

In radiotherapy, dose assessment is performed as part of quality assurance (QA) to verify the dose accuracy of the treatment administered to patients. Various dosimeters are used depending on the part of the body and the desired purpose, and tools such as the thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and semiconductor dosimeter are used as in vivo dosimeters. However, TLDs have demonstrated measurement errors of approximately 11.8%, and the diodes used in semiconductor dosimeters fluctuate in performance owing to radiation damage. Consequently, various photoconductor materials are being researched to replace diodes. In particular, Thallium (I) bromide (TlBr) is being used as a substitute material for semiconductors because of its low cost and high performance. Therefore, this study determined the optimised performance of TlBr, which is a potential photoconductor material to replace other materials commercially, using the particle-in-binder deposition method. Upon evaluating the reproducibility and linearity, all sensors demonstrated remarkable performance at 6 MV and 15 MV as the results demonstrated a relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 1.5% and R2 value above 0.9998, which were the evaluation criteria. A 3:1 material ratio was chosen, as the performance demonstrated in this case was superior to that of other material ratios. The results of the monitor unit rate dependence and percent depth dose (PDD) were compared with those of silicon diode and thimble chambers, which are widely used for dose measurement. According to the monitor unit rate dependence results, the RSD was 0.66% at 6 MV and 0.27% at 15 MV with the standard set at 100 MU, indicating that the diode was outperformed by less than 1%. Similar results were obtained for the PDD with the ion chamber, and the surface dose required for in vivo dose measurement indicated an error within 8.67%. Therefore, this study provides basic data for polycrystalline TlBr dosimeters, which can replace the existing semiconductor dosimeters for QA.

Reduction of Occupational Exposure Using a Novel Tungsten-Containing Rubber Shield in Interventional Radiology.

This study investigates whether a novel tungsten-containing rubber shield could be used as substitute shielding material in interventional radiology to reduce the occupational exposure of operators to scattered radiation from a patient. The tungsten-containing rubber is a lead-free radiation-shielding material that contains as much as 90% tungsten powder by weight. Air kerma rates of scattered radiation from solid-plate phantoms, simulating a patient, were measured with a semiconductor dosimeter at the height of the operator's eye (1,600 mm from the floor), chest (1,300 mm), waist (1,000 mm), and knee (600 mm) with and without tungsten-containing rubber shielding (1-5 mm thickness). The tungsten-containing rubber and a commercial shielding material (RADPAD) were affixed onto the phantom on the operator's side, and reductions in air kerma rates were compared. Reduction rates for tungsten-containing rubber shielding with thicknesses of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm at each height level were as follows: 70.37 ± 0.40%, 72.17 ± 0.29%, 72.95 ± 0.31%, 72.58 ± 0.35%, and 73.63 ± 0.63% at eye level; 76.36 ± 0.19%, 77.13 ± 0.10%, 77.36 ± 0.14%, 77.62 ± 0.25%, and 77.66 ± 0.14% at chest level; 67.78 ± 0.31%, 68.12 ± 0.19%, 68.88 ± 0.28%, 68.97 ± 0.14%, and 68.85 ± 0.45% at waist level; and 0.14 ± 0.94%, 0.72 ± 0.56%, 1.08 ± 0.74%, 1.77 ± 0.80%, and 1.79 ± 1.82% at knee level, respectively. Reduction rates with RADPAD were 61.80 ± 0.67%, 60.33 ± 0.61%, 64.70 ± 0.25%, and 0.14 ± 0.66% at eye, chest, waist, and knee levels, respectively. The shielding ability of the 1 mm tungsten-containing rubber was superior to that of RADPAD. The tungsten-containing rubber could be employed to minimize an operator's radiation exposure instead of the commercial shielding material in interventional radiology.

Propuesta de un nuevo ajuste para el cálculo del rendimiento y análisis de su influencia en la estimación de la dosis glandular

En este trabajo se propone una nueva función de ajuste polinómica para la obtención del kerma en aire para cualquier kilovoltaje, frente al ajuste potencial recomendado por los protocolos europeo y español. Se ha medido el kerma y la capa hemirreductora en tres equipos de mamografía diferentes con cámara de ionización y detector semiconductor, para mamografía tanto en modo 2D como en tomosíntesis de mama. A partir de esos valores se ha estimado la dosis glandular siguiendo el modelo de Dance et al. Se ha obtenido una mejor adecuación entre el kerma medido y el calculado a la función propuesta que a la potencial. La estimación de la dosis glandular a partir del kerma obtenido mediante la función potencial de ajuste y la polinómica, muestran diferencias inferiores a un 2.5% en todos los equipos midiendo con la cámara de ionización, excepto para espesores de mama grandes (mayores de 6 cm). Sin embargo, las diferencias obtenidas entre los detectores utilizados han resultado mayores, encontrándose en torno al 10%. Por tanto, resulta fundamental conocer la respuesta de los diferentes detectores y el uso de una adecuada metodología de ajuste que minimice las incertidumbres obtenidas en la estimación de la dosis glandular.

Performance of semiconductor dosimeters with a range of radiation qualities used for mammography: A calibration laboratory study.

PurposeTo investigate the radiation quality dependence of the response of commercial semiconductor‐based dosimeters, and to estimate potential errors and uncertainties related to different measurement and calibration scenarios.MethodsAll measurement results were compared to reference values measured at the IAEA dosimetry laboratory which is traceable to the international system of units (SI). Energy dependence of the response of eight semiconductor dosimeters were determined for five different anode‐filter combinations and tube voltages from 25 to 35 kV. For systems capable of deriving half value layer (HVL) and tube voltage from measurements, calibration coefficients for these measurements were calculated.ResultsFor six dosimeters, the maximum deviations from the reference value of the air kerma measurement were within ±5% as required by IEC 61674. Calibration coefficients for radiation qualities (anode‐filter and tube voltage combinations) relative to reference radiation quality Mo‐Mo 28 kV deviate up to 12%. HVL and tube voltage measurements exhibited deviations up to 11% and 10%, respectively.ConclusionsThe air kerma responses of modern semiconductor dosimeters have a small energy dependence. However, no dosimeter tested complied with the accuracy limits stated by the manufacturer for tube voltage measurements, and only two dosimeters complied with the limits for HVL measurements. Absolute measurement of HVL and tube voltage with semiconductor dosimeters have to be verified for actual clinical radiation conditions on clinical mammography systems. Semiconductor dosimeters can be used for quality control measurements if individual calibration coefficients are available for the radiation condition applied. If other conditions are applied, additional uncertainty needs to be considered, particularly in the case of HVL and tube voltage measurements.

Time-related study on external exposure dose of 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-D-glucose PET for workers' safety.

Time-course study of individual dose equivalents of 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) was conducted in different hospital workers, and the daily work duties were analyzed. For the measurements, a semiconductor dosimeter was used. The values at intervals of 1min and 1h, the monthly cumulative and daily cumulative doses, and trend graphs were acquired with dedicated software and displayed on the reader. The following radiation workers with duties involving maximum external exposure work were included: doctors making diagnoses (4.8μSv/procedure), nurses removing injection needles (3.1μSv/procedure), pharmacists performing quality control tests (2.9μSv/procedure), nuclear medicine technologists assisting patient positioning (6.5μSv/procedure), and cyclotron engineers performing daily checks (13.4μSv/procedure). The results of analysis of daily work duties revealed the influencing factors of external exposure dose. To reduce the external exposure dose, investigators should shorten the patient's contact time with the 18F-FDG source or patient tracer.

How patient off-centering impacts organ dose and image noise in pediatric head and thoracoabdominal CT.

To assess the impact of patient off-centering on organ dose and image noise for head and thoracoabdominal CT in a pediatric phantom. An anthropomorphic phantom simulating a 5-year-old child was used. Semiconductor dosimeters were placed in various cranial and thoracoabdominal organs. Head and thoracoabdominal CT were performed using automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) and default bowtie filters. The phantom was imaged repeatedly at vertical table positions ranging from - 6 to + 6cm from the 0-position. Tube current time products (TCTP), organ doses, and image noise were recorded. Scatter radiation was measured in the thyroid for head CT. The effect of ATCM and bowtie filters was assessed. Depending on patient position, organ doses differed up to 22% for the supratentorial brain, 34% for the infratentorial brain, 19% for the eyes, 28% for the lungs, 25% for the stomach, and 22% for the liver compared with those in the 0-position. The relation between position and dose was linear and mainly affected by the bowtie filter in head CT, while it was quadratic and affected by ATCM and bowtie filter in thoracoabdominal CT. It further depended on the relative position of each organ to the isocenter. An inverse relation was found between position and image noise. Scatter radiation was not significantly related to patient positioning (p = 0.21). In pediatric CT, vertical patient positioning had a substantial impact on radiation dose with differences of up to 34%, depending on the body region and location of each individual organ. • Patient off-centering has a substantial impact on organ radiation dose and image noise in pediatric CT. • Impact of patient off-centering on radiation dose and noise differs between head and thoracoabdominal CT. • Differences are caused by both ATCM and bowtie filter in thoracoabdominal CT, but mainly by bowtie filter in head CT.

Reduction of Operator Hand Exposure in Interventional Radiology With a Novel Finger Sack Using Tungsten-containing Rubber

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the x-ray shielding ability of a novel tungsten-particle-containing rubber-based finger sack for use in interventional radiology. Shielding rates for the air kerma (mGy m) were measured using a semiconductor dosimeter with and without the finger sack and commercial lead gloves, at a 20 cm distance from the field of view. A C-arm digital angiography system was used with x-ray tube voltages of 60, 80, 100, and 120 kVp. In addition, the 70 μm dose equivalent to the operator's finger was measured using fluorescent glass dosimeters with and without the finger sack during interventional radiology examinations. The x-ray shielding rates for 60, 80, 100, and 120 kV x rays were 98.0 ± 0.03%, 94.8 ± 0.05%, 92.3 ± 0.12%, and 90.1 ± 0.03%, respectively, with the finger sack and 69.8 ± 0.39%, 61.0 ± 0.53%, 52.3 ± 0.52%, and 47.0 ± 0.69% with the lead gloves. The x-ray shielding rates for the fluoroscopy and cine mode with the finger sack were 91.3 ± 0.21% and 56.5 ± 0.58%, respectively, while with the lead gloves they were 96.5 ± 0.04% and 67.6 ± 0.33%. The 70 μm dose equivalent for the operator's finger exposure dose was reduced by approximately 39.4% using the finger sack. The finger shields were more user friendly, had excellent radiation shielding ability against x rays, and should reduce finger exposure in interventional radiology.