A solid water phantom material for radiotherapy x-ray and γ-ray beam calibrations

Authors:
  • CCChris Constantinou
    Chris Constantinou
  • FAF. H. Attix
    F. H. Attix
  • BPBhudatt R. Paliwal
    Bhudatt R. Paliwal
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Abstract
The formulation, manufacture and testing of an epoxy resin-based solid substitute for water is presented. This "solid water" has radiation characteristics very close volumetrically to those of water. When it is used as a dosimetry phantom for x- and gamma-ray beams in the radiotherapy range, phantom-to-water corrections and density corrections are eliminated. Relative transmission measurements have shown that the transmission through 10 cm of solid water is within 0.2% of that through an equal thickness of water for x and gamma rays. The use of this material for calibration phantoms can help achieve the goal of radiotherapy beam calibrations within +/- 1.0% of the true dose rate, easier to achieve.