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Characterization of ferrous-agarose-xylenol gel dosimeter at 60Co γ-rays beam therapy unit

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Abstract

Fricke gel dosimetry is a valuable technique used for recording 3D dose distribution in radiotherapy. Herein, we present the dosimetric characteristics of a synthesized ferrous-agarose-xylenol orange gel dosimeter in a clinical 60Co beam. Experimental data were obtained using a secondary standards dosimetry laboratory 60Co therapy unit. The dosimeter was calibrated using the ionization chamber as a reference, and its total mass attenuation coefficient, absorption spectrum, optical density-dose relationship, sensitivity, and dose rate dependency were evaluated. The potentiality of the ferrous-agarose-xylenol gel dosimeter was investigated to measure output factors for different field sizes. The gel dosimeter readings were measured using a spectrophotometer. The ferrous-agarose-xylenol gel dosimeter exhibited a linearity in the range of 3–15 Gy, indicating that the dosimeter is tissue-equivalent and dose rate-independent and yield reproducible results. The measured output factors and those published in the literature showed good agreement.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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  1. Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory, Nuclear Research Center of Algiers, 02 Boulevard Frantz Fanon, B.P.399, Algiers, Algeria

    Ouiza Moussous

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  1. Ouiza Moussous
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Correspondence to Ouiza Moussous.

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Moussous, O. Characterization of ferrous-agarose-xylenol gel dosimeter at 60Co γ-rays beam therapy unit. Radiol Phys Technol 14, 105–112 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12194-020-00600-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12194-020-00600-4

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