A new algorithm for optimal multileaf collimator field segmentation

We present a new efficient leaf sequencing algorithm for the generation of intensity maps by a nonnegative combination of segments. Intensity maps describe the intensity modulation of beams in radiotherapy. We only study the static case (step and shoot). We exactly optimize the total number of monitor units and heuristically optimize the number of segments. We present a short exact proof for a formula giving the smallest total number of monitor units and describe a class of algorithms yielding this minimal value. A special member of this class provides a solution with a very small number of segments.