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Compact multileaf collimator for conformal and intensity modulated fast neutron therapy: Electromechanical design and validation
Author(s) -
Farr J. B.,
Maughan R. L.,
Yudelev M.,
Blosser E.,
Brandon J.,
Horste T.,
Forman J. D.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
medical physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.473
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 2473-4209
pISSN - 0094-2405
DOI - 10.1118/1.2237506
Subject(s) - multileaf collimator , dosimetry , intensity (physics) , physics , optics , neutron , medical physics , conformal map , collimator , nuclear medicine , medicine , linear particle accelerator , beam (structure) , nuclear physics , mathematics , mathematical analysis
The electromechanical properties of a 120‐leaf, high‐resolution, computer‐controlled, fast neutron multileaf collimator (MLC) are presented. The MLC replaces an aging, manually operated multirod collimator. The MLC leaves project 5 mm in the isocentric plane perpendicular to the beam axis. A taper is included on the leaves matching beam divergence along one axis. The 5 ‐ mm leaf projection width is chosen to give high‐resolution conformality across the entire field. The maximum field size provided is 30 × 30cm 2 . To reduce the interleaf transmission a 0.254 ‐ mm blocking step is included. End‐leaf steps totaling 0.762 mm are also provided allowing opposing leaves to close off within the primary radiation beam. The neutron MLC also includes individual 45° and 60° automated universal tungsten wedges. The automated high‐resolution neutron collimation provides an increase in patient throughput capacity, enables a new modality, intensity modulated neutron therapy, and limits occupational radiation exposure by providing remote operation from a shielded console area.