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At least 505 records · Page 28

238 PuO 2 Fuel and Dosimetry

238 Pu is an ideal material for use as a heat source with its half-life of 87.7 years and copious particle emissions. 238 Pu radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) have found use for pacemakers, Apollo Space missions, Mars rovers, and Voyager spacecraft. In evaluating the dose to personnel and components near a 238 Pu-based RTG, a number of additional nuclides and their daughter products must be considered to get an accurate estimate for γ-dose, and the amount of 17 O and 18 O for the neutron-dose must be considered. This paper looks at the contributing nuclides and their daughter products that add the most to the dose rates.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Dual Function of Cellulose Triacetate–Graft–Polymethacrylic Acid Films for Dyes Removal and for High-Dose Radiation Dosimetry

Graft copolymerization of methacrylic acid (MAc) onto cellulose triacetate (CTA) films was conducted by gamma rays. The grafting conditions were optimized. The structure of grafted CTA films was characterized by Fourier transform infra red–attenuated total reflection, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, CHNS/O microanalyzer and, surface area and porosity analyzer. The grafted CTA films were exploited in adsorption of ethyl violet (EV) and phenol red (PR) dyes. The adsorption capacity of the grafted CTA films was investigated at various variables. The adsorption isotherms and kinetic study were examined. Further, the dyed grafted CTA films were used in measurements of high dose radiation. The results indicate that the useful dose range extents up to 440 and 300 kGy for EV and PR, respectively. The effects of relative humidity during irradiation, shelf-life, pre- and post-irradiation storage in dark and indirect daylight conditions on dosimeters performance were investigated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Dosimetry of Large, Irregularly Shaped Fields by the Circle Method

The Circle Method is an algorithm for dose calculation in an irregularly shaped field. The algorithm is based on measurements of circle fields at the therapy machine in use. A separation into primary and scattered radiation components is not necessary. Clarkson’s sector-integration method and an off-axis correction are embodied. Experimental and calculated dose values agree within ±2.8% in the treatment field and under block shieldings.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Calibration of Film for Accurate Megavoltage Photon Dosimetry

An accurate method of converting film density to dose is presented. For films oriented parallel to the beam’s central axis, calibration curves were produced at several depths using Kodak XV-2 film for cobalt-60, 4 MV, and 18 MV beams. Then the appropriate curve was employed to convert the film density to dose at a specific depth. It is hypothesized that the change in film response with depth is due to changes in the photon spectra at depth in a phantom.

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Luminescence properties of Eu{sup 2+} doped SrB{sub 4}O{sub 7} phosphor for radiation dosimetry

Highlights: • Report TL/OSL properties of SrB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Eu{sup 2+} under beta irradiations. • OSL Sensitivity was about 33% than that of commercially available α-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3.} • TL glow peaks was appear at 305° C and TL sensitivity about 200 times higher than TLD-500. • OSL decay pattern was faster than α- Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}:C and dose response was linear nature. - Abstract: In this report, we presented the TL/OSL properties of Eu doped SrB{sub 4}O{sub 7} phosphor under β-irradiation. This phosphor was synthesized by using solid state method. The phosphor shows OSL sensitivity about 33% than that of commercially available α-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}: C phosphor. CW-OSL curve possess two components having photoionization cross-sections 0.707 × 10{sup −17} and 18.58 × 10{sup −17} cm{sup 2} respectively and TL sensitivity about 200 times higher than TLD-500. The kinetic parameters such as activation energy, frequency factor and order of kinetics of TL curve were calculated by using peak shape method. In TL/OSL mode dose-response was almost linear in the range of measurements. The MDD was found to be 1.26 mGy with 3σ of background. Also reusability studies showed the phosphor can be reused for 10 cycles with 1% change in the OSL output. The PL spectra of SrB{sub 4}O{sub 7} showed emission in NUV region when excited with 318 nm under UV source.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Experience with the CyberKnife for intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery: Analysis of dosimetry indices

We evaluated coverage, dose homogeneity, dose conformity, and dose gradient in CyberKnife VSI treatment plans. Several dosimetric indices were calculated, and the results were compared with those of previous publications. The effect of target volume on the radiosurgical treatment indices selected was also investigated. The study population comprised the first 40 patients treated at our department from March 2011 to September 2012. Dosimetric indices were calculated and compared with published results for other frame-based and frameless intracranial stereotactic radiotherapy techniques. A comparison of the indices confirmed the ability of the CyberKnife VSI system to provide very high-quality dosing plans. The results were independent of target volume for coverage, homogeneity, and dose conformity. However, a dependence on target volume was observed for the dose-gradient indices analyzed. Based on the indices proposed, CyberKnife provides very good treatment plans and compares favorably with other techniques in most cases. However, greater consensus on the radiosurgery indices calculated would be desirable to facilitate comparison of the various techniques or the same techniques when applied by different users.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

The radiation oncology workforce: A focus on medical dosimetry

The 2012 Radiation Oncology Workforce survey was conducted to assess the current state of the entire workforce, predict its future needs and concerns, and evaluate quality improvement and safety within the field. This article describes the dosimetrist segment results. The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Workforce Subcommittee, in conjunction with other specialty societies, conducted an online survey targeting all segments of the radiation oncology treatment team. The data from the dosimetrist respondents are presented in this article. Of the 2573 dosimetrists who were surveyed, 890 responded, which resulted in a 35% segment response rate. Most respondents were women (67%), whereas only a third were men (33%). More than half of the medical dosimetrists were older than 45 years (69.2%), whereas the 45 to 54 years age group represented the highest percentage of respondents (37%). Most medical dosimetrists stated that their workload was appropriate (52%), with respondents working a reported average of 41.7 ± 4 hours per week. Overall, 86% of medical dosimetrists indicated that they were satisfied with their career, and 69% were satisfied in their current position. Overall, 61% of respondents felt that there was an oversupply of medical dosimetrists in the field, 14% reported that supply and demand was balanced, and the remaining 25% felt that there was an undersupply. The medical dosimetrists' greatest concerns included documentation/paperwork (78%), uninsured patients (80%), and insufficient reimbursement rates (87%). This survey provided an insight into the dosimetrist perspective of the radiation oncology workforce. Though an overwhelming majority has conveyed satisfaction concerning their career, the study allowed a spotlight to be placed on the profession's current concerns, such as insufficient reimbursement rates and possible oversupply of dosimetrists within the field.

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Optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry on mobile phone back protective glass

Protective glasses from the back of modern smartphones were tested as potential emergency dosimeters using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). The glasses were shown to exhibit several favorable dosimetric properties including a strong sensitivity to radiation, a linear dose-response relationship from 0.1 to 8 Gy, a 3% reproducibility, and a minimum detectable dose in the low tens of milligray, even after significant fading. The OSL signal was observed to lose ~78% and ~90% of the original intensity over 1 h and 1 week, respectively; however, a fading curve was developed to correct for any such signal loss. A dose-recovery test demonstrated that reconstructed doses were capable of accuracies within 20%.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Thermoluminescence of nanocrystalline CaSO{sub 4}: Dy for gamma dosimetry and calculation of trapping parameters using deconvolution method

Nanorods of CaSO{sub 4}: Dy having diameter 20 nm and length 200 nm have been synthesized by the chemical coprecipitation method. These samples were irradiated with gamma radiation for the dose varying from 0.1 Gy to 50 kGy and their TL characteristics have been studied. TL dose response shows a linear behavior up to 5 kGy and further saturates with increase in the dose. A Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD) program was used for the analysis of TL glow curves. Trapping parameters for various peaks have been calculated by using CGCD program.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Neutron dosimetry in solid water phantom

The neutron spectra, the Kerma and the absorbed dose due to neutrons were estimated along the incoming beam in a solid water phantom. Calculations were carried out with the MCNP5 code, where the bunker, the phantom and the model of the15 MV LINAC head were modeled. As the incoming beam goes into the phantom the neutron spectrum is modified and the dosimetric values are reduced.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Production and dosimetry of simultaneous therapeutic photons and electrons beam by linear accelerator: A Monte Carlo study

Depending on the location and depth of tumor, the electron or photon beams might be used for treatment. Electron beam have some advantages over photon beam for treatment of shallow tumors to spare the normal tissues beyond of the tumor. In the other hand, the photon beam are used for deep targets treatment. Both of these beams have some limitations, for example the dependency of penumbra with depth, and the lack of lateral equilibrium for small electron beam fields. In first, we simulated the conventional head configuration of Varian 2300 for 16 MeV electron, and the results approved by benchmarking the Percent Depth Dose (PDD) and profile of the simulation and measurement. In the next step, a perforated Lead (Pb) sheet with 1mm thickness placed at the top of the applicator holder tray. This layer producing bremsstrahlung x-ray and a part of the electrons passing through the holes, in result, we have a simultaneous mixed electron and photon beam. For making the irradiation field uniform, a layer of steel placed after the Pb layer. The simulation was performed for 10×10, and 4×4 cm2 field size. This study was showed the advantages of mixing the electron and photon beam by reduction of pure electron's penumbra dependency with the depth, especially for small fields, also decreasing of dramatic changes of PDD curve with irradiation field size.

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Thermoluminescence response of K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3} nanophosphor Co-doped with Eu and Ce for gamma ray dosimetry

K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3} nanophosphors co-doped with Eu and Ce were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method. These samples were further annealed at 700 °C structural reformation. The structural and morphological characteristics were studied using XRD and TEM techniques. The particle size calculated from XRD spectra was around 35 nm. The as synthesized sample shows cubic structure annealed at 700 °C. The as synthesized and annealed sample of K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3}: EuCe were irradiated with Co{sup 60} gamma rays for the doses from 2Gy to 1kGy. The TL characteristic sample of co-doped were studied for the dosimetric application by gamma radiation. The TL spectrum of annealed sample has single peaked at 160 °C. The Eu doped sample has a high TL sensitivity than Ce doped sample. But after co-doping with Eu and Ce, TL intensity observed to be decreased. The decrees in TL peak intensity of the phosphor on co-doping of Eu and Ce gives an insight into the emission mechanism of the phosphor which involves energy transfer from Eu to Ce. The TL response of all the samples were found to be linear for the dose from 2 Gy to 1 KGy. Therefore, K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3}: EuCe nanophosphor can be used for the measurement of high dose of gamma radiation.

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Hydrothermally synthesized barium fluoride nanocubes for thermoluminescence dosimetry

In this work, we report a hydrothermally synthesized Dy doped BaF{sub 2} (BaF{sub 2}:Dy) nanocubes and its Thermoluminescence studies. The synthesized BaF{sub 2}:Dy samples was found to posses FCC structure and having average size ~ 60-70 nm, as revealed through X-Ray Diffraction. Cubical morphology having size ~90 nm was observed from TEM analysis. The {sup 60}Co γ- ray irradiated BaF{sub 2}:Dy TL dosimetric experiments shows a pre-dominant single glow peak at 153 °C, indicating a single level trap present as a metastable state. Furthermore, BaF{sub 2}:Dy nanophosphor shows a sharp linear response from 10 Gy to 3 kGy, thus it can be applicable as a gamma dosimeter.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Radiological dosimetry measurements in Costa Rica

The main cause of human exposure to artificial radiation corresponds to medical applications, so it is essential to reduce the dose to patients, workers and consequently the entire population [1]. Although there is no dose limit for patients, is necessary to reduce it to a minimum possible while still getting all the necessary diagnostic information, taking economic and social factors into account [2]. Based on this proposal, agencies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency has been dedicated to providing guidelines levels, whose function is to serve as standards for the optimization of the medical exposure [3]. This research was created as a preliminary survey with the claim of eventually determine the guidance levels in Costa Rica for three different studies of general radiology: Lumbar Spine-AP, Chest - PA and Thoracic Spine - AP (for screens with speeds of 400 and 800), and cranio-caudal study in mammography, applied to Costa Rica’s adult population, perform properly in the institutions of Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS).

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Dosimetry is Key to Good Epidemiology: Workers at Mallinckrodt Chemical Works had Seven Different Source Exposures

Mallinckrodt Chemical Works was the earliest uranium processing facility in the Manhattan Project, beginning in 1942. Even then, concern existed about possible health effects resulting from exposure to radiation and pitchblende dust. This concern was well founded as the facility processed Belgian Congo pitchblende ore that was up to 60% pure uranium with high 235 U content and up to 100 mg of radium per ton. Workers were exposed to external gamma radiation plus internal radiation from inhalation and ingestion of pitchblende dust (uranium, radium, and silica). Multiple sources of exposure were available for organ dose reconstruction to a degree unique for an epidemiologic study. Personal film badge measures available from 1945 captured external exposures. Additional external exposure included 15,518 occupational medical x-rays and 210 radiation exposure records from other facilities outside of Mallinckrodt employment. Organ dose calculations considered organ-specific coefficients that account for photon energy and job-specific orientation of workers to the radiation source during processing. Intakes of uranium and radium were based on 39,451 uranium urine bioassays and 2,341 breath radon measurements, and International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 68 biokinetic models were used to estimate organ-specific radiation absorbed dose. Estimates of exposure to airborne radon and its short-lived progeny were based on radon measurements in work areas where radium-containing materials were handled or stored, together with estimated exposure times in these areas based on job titles. Dose estimates for radon and its short-lived progeny were based on models and methods recently recommended in ICRP Publication 137. This comprehensive dosimetric approach follows methods outlined by the National Council on Radiation Protection Scientific Committee 6-9 for the Million Worker Study. Annual doses were calculated for six organs: lung, brain, heart, kidney, colon and red bone marrow. Finally, evaluation and adjustment for individual cumulative measures of pitchblende dust inhalation were made for lung and kidney diseases.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Sample size requirements for estimating effective dose from computed tomography using solid-state metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor dosimetry

Purpose: Effective dose (ED) is a widely used metric for comparing ionizing radiation burden between different imaging modalities, scanners, and scan protocols. In computed tomography (CT), ED can be estimated by performing scans on an anthropomorphic phantom in which metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) solid-state dosimeters have been placed to enable organ dose measurements. Here a statistical framework is established to determine the sample size (number of scans) needed for estimating ED to a desired precision and confidence, for a particular scanner and scan protocol, subject to practical limitations. Methods: The statistical scheme involves solving equations which minimize the sample size required for estimating ED to desired precision and confidence. It is subject to a constrained variation of the estimated ED and solved using the Lagrange multiplier method. The scheme incorporates measurement variation introduced both by MOSFET calibration, and by variation in MOSFET readings between repeated CT scans. Sample size requirements are illustrated on cardiac, chest, and abdomen–pelvis CT scans performed on a 320-row scanner and chest CT performed on a 16-row scanner. Results: Sample sizes for estimating ED vary considerably between scanners and protocols. Sample size increases as the required precision or confidence is higher and also as the anticipated ED is lower. For example, for a helical chest protocol, for 95% confidence and 5% precision for the ED, 30 measurements are required on the 320-row scanner and 11 on the 16-row scanner when the anticipated ED is 4 mSv; these sample sizes are 5 and 2, respectively, when the anticipated ED is 10 mSv. Conclusions: Applying the suggested scheme, it was found that even at modest sample sizes, it is feasible to estimate ED with high precision and a high degree of confidence. As CT technology develops enabling ED to be lowered, more MOSFET measurements are needed to estimate ED with the same precision and confidence.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Absolute x-ray dosimetry on a synchrotron medical beam line with a graphite calorimeter

Purpose: The absolute dose rate of the Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) on the Australian Synchrotron was measured with a graphite calorimeter. The calorimetry results were compared to measurements from the existing free-air chamber, to provide a robust determination of the absolute dose in the synchrotron beam and provide confidence in the first implementation of a graphite calorimeter on a synchrotron medical beam line. Methods: The graphite calorimeter has a core which rises in temperature when irradiated by the beam. A collimated x-ray beam from the synchrotron with well-defined edges was used to partially irradiate the core. Two filtration sets were used, one corresponding to an average beam energy of about 80 keV, with dose rate about 50 Gy/s, and the second filtration set corresponding to average beam energy of 90 keV, with dose rate about 20 Gy/s. The temperature rise from this beam was measured by a calibrated thermistor embedded in the core which was then converted to absorbed dose to graphite by multiplying the rise in temperature by the specific heat capacity for graphite and the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the core and beam. Conversion of the measured absorbed dose to graphite to absorbed dose to water was achieved using Monte Carlo calculations with the EGSnrc code. The air kerma measurements from the free-air chamber were converted to absorbed dose to water using the AAPM TG-61 protocol. Results: Absolute measurements of the IMBL dose rate were made using the graphite calorimeter and compared to measurements with the free-air chamber. The measurements were at three different depths in graphite and two different filtrations. The calorimetry measurements at depths in graphite show agreement within 1% with free-air chamber measurements, when converted to absorbed dose to water. The calorimetry at the surface and free-air chamber results show agreement of order 3% when converted to absorbed dose to water. The combined standard uncertainty is 3.9%. Conclusions: The good agreement of the graphite calorimeter and free-air chamber results indicates that both devices are performing as expected. Further investigations at higher dose rates than 50 Gy/s are planned. At higher dose rates, recombination effects for the free-air chamber are much higher and expected to lead to much larger uncertainties. Since the graphite calorimeter does not have problems associated with dose rate, it is an appropriate primary standard detector for the synchrotron IMBL x rays and is the more accurate dosimeter for the higher dose rates expected in radiotherapy applications.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗