On the existence of low-energy photons (<150 keV) in the unflattened x-ray beam from an ordinary radiotherapeutic target in a medical linear accelerator.

Low-energy photons (<150 keV) are essential for obtaining high quality x-ray radiographs. These photons are usually produced in the accelerator target, but are effectively absorbed by the flattening filter and, at least partially, by the target itself. Experimental proof is presented for the existence of low-energy photons in the unflattened x-ray beam produced by a 6 MeV electron beam normally incident on the thinner of the two existing ports of the all-Cu radiotherapeutic target of a Clinac 18 (Varian Associates) linear accelerator.

A thin target approach for portal imaging in medical accelerators.

A new thin-target method (patent pending) is described for portal imaging with low-energy (tens of keV) photons from a medical linear accelerator operating in a special mode. Low-energy photons are usually produced in the accelerator target, but are absorbed by the target and flattening filter, both made of medium- or high-Z materials such as Cu or W. Since the main contributor to absorption of the low-energy photons is self-absorption by the thick target through the photoelectric effect, it is proposed to lower the thickness of the portal imaging target to the minimum required to get the maximum low-energy photon fluence on the exit side of the target, and to lower the atomic number of the target so that predominantly photoelectric absorption is reduced.

Generation of portal film charts for 10-MV x rays.

An analytical method to generate portal film charts for 10-MV photon beams, which takes into account the presence of the cassette front screen is presented. The selection of the best film-screen combination was based on the new AAPM recommendations for radiotherapy portal imaging [AAPM Rep. No.