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Evaluation of the Therac 6 linear accelerator for radiation therapy
Author(s) -
Grant W.,
Ames J.,
Almond P. R.
Publication year - 1978
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 - 10.1118/1.594442
Subject(s) - linear particle accelerator , dosimetry , monitor unit , beam (structure) , medical physics , computer science , software , energy (signal processing) , physics , nuclear engineering , nuclear medicine , optics , engineering , medicine , quantum mechanics , programming language
The Therac 6 is new generation of low‐energy linear accelerator. It incorporates a PDP‐11/05 computer for beam control, treatment‐factor input, and beam shutdown in the event of failure of the system. The performance of the unit has not been hindered by computer or software malfunction, and the computer has provided an excellent means for preventive maintenance and repair. Dosimetry parameters are similar to other 6 MV x‐ray beams, and comparison to 60 Co therapy beams shows that this unit may be more like 60 Co units in penumbra and absence of off‐axis peaking than other low‐energy accelerators.