New Software for DQE Calculation in Digital Mammography Compliant with IEC 62220-1-2.

Significant improvements in mammography systems have been achieved with the introduction of active matrix flat-panel digital detectors. The advent of this technology also makes it possible to implement computational methods for quantitative image analysis. This study describes new software created to perform detective quantum efficiency (DQE) calculations fully compliant with the IEC 62220-1-2 standard. Python-based software was developed that contains modules to calculate inverse conversion function, modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and DQE itself. A graphical user interface (GUI) and further add-ons make this software more user-friendly. Results are immediately displayed diagrammatically, and complete output data are exported to a .csv file. The code is available freely, as a compiled, executable file (.exe). The program was successfully tested using DICOM images obtained from mammography units from different manufacturers. This study also includes validation of the new software, based on comparisons of results obtained for the same set of data with two other, freely available programs.

Validation of accordance of ArcCHECK diode detector output with Monte Carlo simulation in brachytherapy.

There are several accepted methods to verify External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) treatment plans, but there is no standard way to check the quality of a brachytherapy treatment plan. PURPOSE: This feasibility study assesses whether the ArcCHECK EBRT radiation detector can also be used to verify Treatment Planning System software quality check procedures for brachytherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: ArcCHECK is a three-dimensional matrix of 1386 semiconductor diodes, arranged spirally around an internal cylindrical space that is 32 cm long and 15 cm in diameter. The detector makes it possible to reproduce the distribution of sources in a planned EBRT procedure (energy range 6-22 MeV) using an appropriate phantom. Detector responses are displayed as a two-dimensional dose distribution map on the diode surface. In this pilot brachytherapy study, we determined values that characterized the output of the detectors to a simulated Ir-192 radiation source with an energy range of approximately 9-1378 keV, and compared this to the actual signal recorded by an ArcCHECK detector. Experimental treatment plan measurement was performed using a standard Elekta micro-Selectron-v2 unit equipped with an iridium-192 source. To avoid unit inconsistencies, the signal from each of the diodes and the simulation results were normalized to the maximum value, with similar statistical parameters. RESULTS: The difference between diode indications in the simulation and the actual measurement was analyzed statistically to show the degree of general inconsistency between them. The average difference for diode pairs here is equal 1,07%, with standard deviation 3, 95%. CONCLUSION: The results obtained represent the first quantitative evidence of potential usefulness of the ArcCHECK detector in brachytherapy Treatment Planning System software QC verification.

Monte Carlo dosimetry using Fluka code and experimental dosimetry with Gafchromic EBT2 and XR-RV3 of self-built experimental setup for radiobiological studies with low-energy X-rays.

Purpose: The aim of this research was to simulate self-built experimental setup for radiobiological research using X-ray diffraction C-tech tube and PW 3830 generator (PANalytical, Netherlands) and to calculate absorbed dose and to compare it with experimental dose measurements. The maximum X-ray energy was 60 keV.Materials and methods: Petri dish was specially adapted to hold biological cells during the irradiation process. Rotation of Petri dish ensured radiation homogeneity and effectiveness of rotation process was confirmed using EBT2 Gafchromic film. Monte Carlo simulation using Fluka 2011 2c.4 was used to model the setup and to calculate dose absorbed by live cells. The EBT2 and XR-RV3 Gafchromic films were used to estimate relative experimental absorbed dose.Results: The radiation homogeneity provided values with maximum deviation equal to ±3.5% from the average value and the absorbed dose rate was 0.9 Gy/min using simulation process and 1 Gy/min or 0.8 Gy/min using experimental methods (XR-RV3 and EBT2 Gafchromic film, respectively). All dose rate values show metrological compatibility.Conclusions: Influence of specially constructed Petri dish on absorbed dose was determined using simulations that showed that low-energy photons, emitted as characteristic line from borosilicate glass forming component of Petri dish, were source of increase in dose absorbed by cells. This experimental setup will be used to conduct radiobiological research.HighlightsA low-energy X-ray system constructed for radiobiological studies was used.Dosimetry was based on a Monte Carlo simulation using Fluka 2011 code version 2c.4.A specially designed rotating Petri dish ensured the uniformity of the radiation distribution.Gafchromic EBT2 and XR-RV3 films were used to experimental dosimetry.Monte Carlo and experimental dosimetry showed metrological compatibility.

CALIBRATION OF LOW ENERGY X-RAY EXPERIMENTAL SETUP WITH STRONGLY FILTERED BEAM USING DATA FROM A SEMICONDUCTOR AND A THERMOLUMINESCENT DETECTORS.

The calibration of low energy X-ray experimental setup with strongly filtered beam dedicated to radiobiological research was performed using the absorbed dose calculated from the data collected by two types detectors. For this purpose a semiconductor (Amptek, USA) and a thermoluminescent (Institute of Nuclear Physics, Krakow, Poland) detectors were applied. The absorbed dose in water values estimated by both detectors are in good agreement.