Beam spot position measurement using corotational penumbra modulation and image center shift methods

Abstract

Image and treatment quality of radiotherapy are influenced by the position of beam spot, therefore it is important to know the position of the beam spot. Beam spot position measured by the corotational penumbra modulation (CPM) and the image center shift (ICS). The CPM method uses a cylindrical ion chamber that rotate with collimator angle. The position of ion chamber, jaws, central axis are fixed to collimator angle. The signal measured to half blocked field 10x20 cm2 for every 30° collimator angle. The beam spot calculated from signal measurement results. The ICS method uses two radiopaque rings with 8.5 cm diameter. Both of rings are placed at different heights of 64.5 cm and 150 cm SSD. Image acquired by varying both collimator and couch angle for every 30° and the beam spot position calculated by measuring the shift of rings centre. Measurement also performed using ball bearing test. Beam spot shift values from the CAOR using CPM and ICS measurements are closely similar, in the range of 0.05-0.65 mm and 0-0.53 mm respectively. The measurement using CPM and ICS methods can be used for routine quality assurance (QA) to ensure that the beam spot position still in tolerance.