Different Dosimeters/Detectors Used in Small-Field Dosimetry: Pros and Cons

J Med Signals Sens. 2018 Jul-Sep;8(3):195-203. doi: 10.4103/jmss.JMSS_3_18.

Abstract

With the advent of complex and precise radiation therapy techniques, the use of relatively small fields is needed. Using such field sizes can cause uncertainty in dosimetry; therefore, special attention is required both in dose calculations and measurements. There are several challenges in small-field dosimetry such as the steep gradient of the radiation field, volume averaging effect, lack of charged particle equilibrium, partial occlusion of radiation source, beam alignment, and unable to use a reference dosimeter. Due to these challenges, special dosimeters are needed for small-field dosimetry, and this review article discusses this topic.

Keywords: Detector; dosimeter; radiotherapy; small field dosimetry.