Abstract
With the integration of MRI-linacs to the clinical workflow, the understanding and characterization of detector response in reference dosimetry in magnetic fields are required. The magnetic field perturbs the electron fluence (Fe), and the degree of perturbation depends on the irradiation conditions and the detector type. This work evaluates the magnetic field impact on the electron fluence spectra in several detectors to provide a deeper understanding of detector response in these conditions. Monte Carlo calculations of Fe are performed in six detectors (solid-state: PTW60012 and PTW60019, ionization chambers: PTW30013, PTW31010, PTW31021, and PTW31022) placed in water and irradiated by an Elekta Unity 7 MV FFF photon beam with small and reference fields, at 0 T and 1.5 T. Three chamber-axis orientations are investigated: parallel or perpendicular (two possibilities: FL towards the stem or the tip) to the magnetic field and perpendicular to the beam. One orientation for the solid-state detector is studied: parallel to the beam and perpendicular to the magnetic field. Additionally, Fe spectra are calculated in modified detector geometries to identify the underlying physical mechanisms behind the fluence perturbations. The total Fe is reduced up to 1.24% in the farmer chamber, at 1.5 T, in the parallel orientation. The interplay between the gyration radius and the farmer chamber cavity length significantly affects Fe in the perpendicular orientation; the total fluence varies up to 5.12% in magnetic fields. For the small-cavity chambers, the maximal variation in total Fe is 0.19%, for the reference field, in the parallel orientation. . In contrast, significant small-field effects occur; the total Fe is reduced between 9.86% to 14.50% at 1.5T (with respect to 0T) depending on the orientation. The magnetic field strongly impacted the solid-state detectors in both field sizes, probably due to the high-density extracameral components. The maximal reductions of total Fe are 15.06±0.09% (silicon) and 16.00±0.07% (microDiamond). This work provides insights into detector response in magnetic fields by illustrating the interplay between several factors causing dosimetric perturbation effects: 1) chamber and magnetic field orientation, 2) cavity size and shape, 3) extracameral components, 4) air gaps and their asymmetry, 5) electron energy. Low-energy electron trajectories are more susceptible to change in magnetic fields, and generally, they are associated with detector response perturbation.
Technical Note: Design and commissioning of a water phantom for proton dosimetry in magnetic fields