Characteristics of the 6-MV photon beam produced by a dual energy linear accelerator

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Med. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1118/1.596113· OSTI ID:6863619

Ikoro, N C; Johnson, D A; Antich, P P

Clinical dosimetry data are presented for the lower-energy x-ray beam of a Varian Clinac 1800 linear accelerator. This beam has comparable characteristics to single energy linear accelerators with the same stated 6-MV x-ray energy. The nominal beam energy was found to be 5.3 +- 0.3 MV on the central axis. Beam quality expressed in terms of half-value layer in water was found to vary by less than 10% over the entire field. The surface doses are only slightly, but consistently, larger than those reported in the literature for other 6-MV linacs. Dosimetric results presented include central axis percentage depth dose (% DD) and tissue--maximum ratio (TMR), surface and buildup doses, output factors, and inverse square law applicability. The flatness and symmetry characteristics are within the manufacturer's specifications for both large and small fields.

• Research Organization: University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas, Department of Radiology, Dallas, Texas 75080
• OSTI ID: 6863619
• Journal Information: Med. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Med. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 14:1; ISSN MPHYA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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