Experimental characterisation of the magnetic field correction factor,k->B,for Roos chambers in a parallel MRI-linac.

Abstract

Objective. Reference dosimetry on an MRI-linac requires a chamber specific magnetic field correction factor,kB⃗.This work aims to measure the correction factor for a parallel plate chamber on a parallel MRI-linac. Approach. kB⃗is defined as the ratio of the absorbed dose to water calibration coefficient in the presence of the magnetic field,ND, wB⃗ relative to that under 0 T conditions,ND, w0T. kB⃗ was measured via aND, wtransfer to a field chamber at each magnetic field strength from a chamber with known ND, w and kB⃗. This was achieved on the parallel MRI-linac by moving the measurement set-up between a high magnetic field strength region at the MRI-isocentre and a low magnetic field strength region at the end of the bore whilst maintaining consistent set-up and scatter conditions. Three PTW 34001 Roos chambers were investigated as well as a PTW 30013 Farmer used to validate methodology.Main Results.The beam quality used for the measurements of kB⃗ was TPR20/10 = 0.632. The kB⃗for the PTW Farmer chamber at 1 T on a parallel MRI-linac was 0.993 ± 0.013 (k = 1). The average kB⃗ factor measured for the three Roos chambers on a 1 T parallel MRI-linac was 0.999 ± 0.014 (k = 1).Significance.The results presented are the first measurements of kB⃗ for a Roos chamber on a parallel MRI-linac. The Roos chamber results demonstrate the potential for the chamber as a reference dosimeter in parallel MRI-linacs.