Establishment of Ge-doped optical fibres as thermoluminescence dosimeters for brachytherapy

This study aims to establish the sensitive, ∼120 μm high spatial resolution, high dynamic range Ge-doped optical fibres as thermoluminescence (TL) dosimeters for brachytherapy dose distribution. This requires investigation to accommodate sensitivity of detection, both for the possibility of short range dose deposition from beta components as well as gamma/x-mediated dose. In-air measurements are made at distances close to radionuclide sources, evaluating the fall off in dose along the transverse axis of 133Ba and 60Co radioactive sources, at distances from 2 mm up to 20 mm from their midpoints. Measurements have been compared with Monte Carlo code DOSRZnrc simulations for photon-mediated dose only, agreement being obtained to within 3% and 1% for the 133Ba and 60Co sources, respectively. As such, in both cases it is determined that as intended, beta dose has been filtered out by source encapsulation.

► We seek to establish Ge-doped optical fibres as TLDs for brachytherapy. ► Dose was evaluated along the central axis of 133Ba and 60Co, at 2 mm–20 mm. ► We verify values using DOSRZnrc Monte Carlo code simulations. ► Good agreement is between dose measurements and calculation to within 3% and 1%. ► Methodology is to be used in obtaining doses around 125I and 192Ir sources.