Characterization of a homemade ionization chamber for radiotherapy beams

A homemade cylindrical ionization chamber was studied for routine use in therapy beams of 60Co and X-rays. Several characterization tests were performed: leakage current, saturation, ion collection efficiency, polarity effect, stability, stabilization time, chamber orientation and energy dependence. All results obtained were within international recommendations. Therefore the homemade ionization chamber presents usefulness for routine dosimetric procedures in radiotherapy beams.

► A homemade ionization chamber was studied for routine use in radiotherapy.
► Several characterization tests were performed and the results were satisfactory.
► This chamber was compared to commercial ones and the results were similar.
► This chamber is suitable for calibration procedures in 60Co beams.