Ge-doped optical fibres as thermoluminescence dosimeters for kilovoltage X-ray therapy irradiations

We investigate key dosimetric parameters for the thermoluminescence (TL) of Ge-doped silica optical fibres irradiated by X-rays generated at 90 and 300 kVp. The parameters include dose response, reproducibility and fading. Relative dose measurements were performed, obtaining central axis percentage depth dose (PDD) values, use being made of doped fibres irradiated in water and solid water phantoms. TL yields were compared with published data and ionisation chamber measurements. Linearity to dose was demonstrated over the investigated range (0.1–6 Gy), with reproducibility to within±2%. TL fading was found to be minimal, at <1.5% over a 12 h period. The RMI 457 solid water phantom correction factor was found to be 1.155±0.152 and 0.955±0.221 at 90 and 300 kVp, respectively. The maximum discrepancy between PDD values obtained using optical fibres and ionisation chamber measurements was 2.1% at 90 kVp, while the maximum discrepancy between tabulated data and measurements was 1.1% at 300 kVp.