Publication Date
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Brent Foy (Advisor), Michael Gossman (Committee Member), Sarah Tebbens (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
The determination of a flattening filter free (FFF) beam profile when the collimator is intentionally modified to incorporate a physical wedge. Specifically, radiation beam profiles change shape when a metallic wedge is placed in the path of the beam. Examination of this unknown is necessary to ascertain whether a physical wedge is clinically beneficial for applications involving FFF beams. The aim of this study is to determine if the radiation profile of a flattening filter free beam having a physical wedge is comparable to a beam with a flattening filter, with the same wedge inserted. This research involves measurement of relative dose along the wedged plane. A commercially available particle accelerator was used for this study, which was capable of producing 6 MV bremsstrahlung x-rays. Only beams operating at 6 MV were considered for the investigation. The results indicate that Wedged profiles are similar in many respects when a FFF beam uses the same physical wedge designed for flattening filter beams. Differences in wedged profiles between the FFF and FF beams are discussed.
Page Count
59
Department or Program
Department of Physics
Year Degree Awarded
2017
Copyright
Copyright 2017, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
