High sensitivity radiochromic film dose comparisons

Phys Med Biol. 2002 Nov 21;47(22):N291-5. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/47/22/402.

Abstract

This short note investigates the dose characteristics of a relatively new high sensitivity radiochromic film (Gafchromic HS) and compares dose and energy response to various Gafchromic film types and radiographic (EDR-2) film. The original MD-55-1 and two improved sensitivity films, MD-55-2 and HS film, were investigated for energy and dose response. Results show that the energy response of the new HS film is relatively the same as the original MD-55-1 and MD-55-2 films with a decrease in sensitivity at lower x-ray energies, with response decreasing down to approximately 0.64 (normalized to 1 for a 6 MV beam) for a 28 keV effective energy beam. This is compared to an over response of 9.2 at the same energy for EDR-2 film. The dose response at the maximum absorption peak was found to be approximately 3.8 and 1.9 times more sensitive than MD-55-1 and MD-55-2 films, respectively. At the absorption peak yielding the maximum optical density change, HS was found to be approximately 0.2 to 0.25 times the sensitivity of EDR-2.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation*
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / methods*
  • Film Dosimetry / instrumentation*
  • Film Dosimetry / methods
  • Materials Testing / methods*
  • Quality Control
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Radiotherapy, Conformal / instrumentation*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity