Characterization of ferrous-agarose-xylenol gel dosimeter at Co γ-rays beam therapy unit.

Fricke gel dosimetry is a valuable technique used for recording 3D dose distribution in radiotherapy. Herein, we present the dosimetric characteristics of a synthesized ferrous-agarose-xylenol orange gel dosimeter in a clinical Co beam. Experimental data were obtained using a secondary standards dosimetry laboratory Co therapy unit. The dosimeter was calibrated using the ionization chamber as a reference, and its total mass attenuation coefficient, absorption spectrum, optical density-dose relationship, sensitivity, and dose rate dependency were evaluated. The potentiality of the ferrous-agarose-xylenol gel dosimeter was investigated to measure output factors for different field sizes. The gel dosimeter readings were measured using a spectrophotometer. The ferrous-agarose-xylenol gel dosimeter exhibited a linearity in the range of 3-15 Gy, indicating that the dosimeter is tissue-equivalent and dose rate-independent and yield reproducible results. The measured output factors and those published in the literature showed good agreement.