Theory, simulation and experiments for precise deflection control of radiotherapy electron beam

J. LEIVA; M. SANTIBÁÑEZ; H. YOUNG; R. MONCADA; M. VALENTE; R. FIGUEROA; L. ROJAS; J. VELÁSQUEZ

Santo Domingo

Simposio; ISSSD 2017 - International Symposium of Solid State Dosimetry; 2017

Univ. Aut. Sto Domingo & Univ. Aut. Méx

Conventional radiotherapy is mainly applied by linear accelerators (linac). Although linacs provide dual (electron/photon) radiation beam modalities, both of them are intrinsically produced by an initial high energy (megavoltage) electron current [1]. Several modern radiotherapy treatment techniques nowadays worldwide available are based on suitable devices inserted or attached to conventional linacs [1,2]. In this framework, one of the main key issues regards the precise control of delivered beam, which is usually modified/modulated/redirected by means of dedicated devices. This work presents an integral description of electron beam deflection control as required for novel radiotherapy technique based on convergent photon beam production. Theoretical and Monte Carlo approaches were initially used for designing and optimizing device ́s components. Then, dedicated instrumentation was developed for experimental verification of electron beam deflection due to the designed magnets. Both Monte Carlo simulations and experimental results support the reliability of electrodynamics models used to predict megavoltage electron beam control [3]