Photonuclear isotope characterization of a Siemens KDS 18 MV linac head

Phys Med Biol. 2004 Jul 21;49(14):N243-6. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/49/14/n05.

Abstract

Induced activity due to photonuclear reactions produced in the vacuum window of the accelerating wave-guide, the x-ray target and the beam-flattening filter of an 18 MV Siemens KDS linac has been studied. Measurements were performed using a high-purity portable germanium detector. Radioisotopes such as 196Au, 57Co, 60Co and other traces were detected one week after the last clinical use of the linac.

MeSH terms

  • Cobalt Radioisotopes
  • Electrons
  • Gamma Rays
  • Gold Radioisotopes
  • Humans
  • Particle Accelerators*
  • Photons
  • Radioisotopes*
  • Radiotherapy / methods*
  • Radiotherapy, Conformal / instrumentation*
  • Radiotherapy, Conformal / methods
  • Software
  • Time Factors
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Cobalt Radioisotopes
  • Gold Radioisotopes
  • Radioisotopes