Measurement of particle size in polymer gel dosimeters using spectrophotometry

Abstract

Polymer gel dosimeters have proven to be useful for three-dimensional radiation dosimetry in clinical radiation therapy. However, more study and development work is needed to quantify and further understand the dose response mechanism, with the goal of improving the dosimeters. In this work we seek to determine the diameter of the polymer particles formed upon irradiation, for a range of irradiation dose rates. It is expected that this information will be used to further understand the actual formation of polymer in the gelatin matrix, and how it affects the relaxation of water in the dosimeter as measured with magnetic resonance imaging or optical methods. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.