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In this article, we report on the development of a simple and accurate method for quality assurance of electron beam output and energy. Aluminum disks of thicknesses d(max) or d50 of the particular electron energy are positioned sequentially over a parallel-plate ion chamber and the ratio of the two signals is compared to the standard. The positioning of the aluminum disks is carried out remotely and automatically to eliminate the necessity of multiple setups. One method utilizes the remote control feature of the treatment couch and another employs a motor-driven carousel. The superior sensitivity over a commercially available energy monitor is illustrated.

This work describes a method to obtain "star-shots" of the mechanical and optical isocenters of linear accelerators, similar to the star-shots of radiation isocenters normally obtained using films. In this method a digital camera is connected to a personal computer so that multiply exposed images can be taken at a fixed camera position. A mechanical pointer or a wire aligned along the optical axis can then be imaged by the camera. Multiple exposures at varying gantry angles are then superimposed on a digital image which can be analyzed by the computer to give a high-resolution star-shot. The method provides a convenient way for a linear accelerator quality assurance procedure.

As part of the commissioning procedure of a linear accelerator at our cancer center, the defining laser lines were aligned with the optical and radiation isocenter of the linac. When a mechanical checkout jig was set up at the same point, a discrepancy of 4 mm resulted when the gantry was moved from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. Extensive measurements, some with custom-designed devices, confirmed the observations and provided an explanation. Even though the mechanical isocenter is within the specified tolerance of 1-mm radius, the clinically observable discrepancy of 4-mm results from the noncoincidence of the mechanical and radiation isocenters. The clinical significance of the final setup is discussed and future commissioning procedures are recommended.