Photoneutrons Spatial Distribution Around Medical Linear Accelerator Due to High Energy Photon Beam: Eventual Risk Associated
摘要
The present work aims to assess levels of dose of created photoneutrons around Elekta Synergy medical linear accelerator. Photon energy effect was investigated for eight measurement points around the photon source inside and outside the bunker in 15 MV photon mode. The values of ambient equivalent dose rate were as follow: 30.75 ± 0.51; 14.12 ± 0.63; 13.43 ± 0.6; 14.12 ± 0.63; 13.47 ± 0.59; 8.79 ± 0.61; 0.859 ± 0.077; (5.2 ± 0.6) × 10−3 mSv/h, from isocenter to the outer position respectively. In fact, that confirms that higher photon energies imply more created neutrons otherwise extra patient dose and eventual risk to medical staff. Furthermore, this study belonging to the internal assurance quality program highlights the importance of the justification principle in the choice of beam energy and open the field for extra investigations over the induced activation of LINAC components that may contribute to the radiation exposure of medical staff in the off mode.