Abstract
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Purpose: The fringe field of the Australian MRI-linac causes contaminant electrons to be focused along the central axis resulting in a high surface dose. This work aims to characterize this effect using Gafchromic film and high-resolution detectors, MOSkinTM and microDiamond. The secondary aim is to investigate the influence of the inline magnetic field on the relative dose response of these detectors. Methods: The Australian MRI-linac has the unique feature that the linac is mounted on rails allowing for measurements to be performed at different magnetic field strengths while maintaining a constant source-to-surface distance (SSD). Percentage depth doses (PDD) were collected at SSD 1.82��m in a solid water phantom positioned in a low magnetic field region and then at isocenter of the MRI where the magnetic field is 1��T. Measurements for a range of field sizes were taken with the MOSkinTM, microDiamond, and Gafchromic�� EBT3 film. The detectors��� relative responses at 1��T were compared to the near 0��T PDD beyond the region of electron contamination, that is, 20��mm depth. The near surface measurements inside the MRI bore were compared among the different detectors. Results: Skin dose in the MRI, as measured with the MOSkinTM, was 104.5% for 2.1������1.9��cm2, 185.6% for 6.1������5.8��cm2, 369.1% for 11.8 �� 11.5��cm2, and 711.1% for 23.5������23��cm2. The detector measurements beyond the electron contamination region showed agreement between the relative response at 1��T and near 0��T. Film was in agreement with both detectors in this region further demonstrating their relative response is unaffected by the magnetic field. Conclusions: Experimental characterization of the high electron contamination at the surface was performed for a range of field sizes. The relative response of MOSkinTM and microDiamond detectors, beyond the electron contamination region, were confirmed to be unaffected by the 1-T inline magnetic field.