Chapter 1

Particle radiation
Lynn J. Verhey, Andreas M. Koehler, Joseph C. McDonald, Michael Goitein, I-Chang Ma, Robert J. Schneider, and Miles
Wagner (1979) The Determination of Absorbed Dose in a Proton Beam for Purposes of Charged-Particle Radiation
Therapy. Radiation Research: July 1979, Vol. 79, No. 1, pp. 34-54.
The Determination of Absorbed Dose in a Proton Beam for Purposes of Charged-Particle Radiation Therapy

Lynn J. Verhey, Andreas M. Koehler, Joseph C. McDonald, Michael Goitein, I-Chang Ma, Robert J. Schneider, and Miles
Wagner
Four methods are described by which absorbed dose has been measured in a proton beam extracted from the 160-MeV
Harvard cyclotron. The standard dosimetry, used to determine doses for patient treatments, is based upon an absolute
measurement of particle flux using a Faraday cup. Measurements have also been made using a parallel-plate ionization
chamber; a thimble ionization chamber carrying a60 Co calibration traceable to NBS; and a tissue-equivalent
calorimeter. The calorimeter, which provides an independent check of the dosimetry, agreed with the standard
dosimetry at five widely different depths within a range from 0.8 to 2.6%.

Chapter 2
Nuclear Instruments and Methods
Volume 113, Issue 2, 15 November 1973, Pages 207216
A period detection instrument for nuclear reactor safety systems
Gordon K. Rusch
Applied Physics Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Ill. 60439, U.S.A.
William P. McDowell
Electronics Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Ill. 60439, U.S.A.
Received 27 April 1973, Available online 21 October 2002

A reactor-period detection instrument featuring a high degree of freedom from scrams due to spurious signals has been
designed, constructed, and tested. The technique employed is suitable for critical facilities and power reactors. Voltage
level changes V(t) from a logarithmic amplifier are utilized to determine reactor period when signal levels are small, and
both voltage level changes V(t) and the rate-of-change of voltage level dV(t)/dt are utilized when signal currents are
large. Due to the low noise level of this hybrid circuit, the overall response speed of the log N amplifier and the dV(t)/dt
period circuit can be significantly improved while greatly decreasing the chance of noise-induced scrams.

Work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.

International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics

Volume 4, Issues 34, MarchApril 1978, Pages 337343

Technical innovation and note

25 MV X-ray beam characteristics from a 35 MeV linear accelerator
James A. Purdy, Ph.D., David J. Keys, M.A., Fred G. Abrath, Ph.D.

This manuscript presents characteristic dosimetry measurements for the 25 MV X-ray beam from the Varian Associates
Clinac 35 linear accelerator. The quality of the beam is expressed by its attenuation as a narrow beam in lead.
Percentage depth dose tables are given as a function of field size for square fields. Tissue-phantom ratios are tabulated
for square field sizes. A study of the variation of the dose in the buildup region demonstrates that surface dose and the
depth of maximum dose is a strong function of the field size. Other beam parameters measured and discussed include
field flatness and symmetry, penumbra, and applicability of inverse square law.

International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics

Volume 5, Issue 8, August 1979, Pages 12451248
Effects of adriamycin and x-rays on euoxic and hypoxic EMT-6 cells in vitro
John W. Harris, Ph.D. M.D., Dennis C. Shrieve, A.B.
EMT-6 mouse tumor cells were grown in vitro and exposed to Adriamycin (and six other drugs) under conditions of
euoxia, acute hypoxia or chronic hypoxia. Although the sensitivity of these cells (assayed as colony formation) was
somewhat different than other EMT-6 cell lines and varied considerably from drug to drug, there was no difference
between euoxic and hypoxic conditions. Moreover, Adriamycin did not consistently affect the radiation survival of these
EMT-6 cells and specifically did not modify the shoulder region of the X-ray survival curve.

International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics

Volume 2, Issues 78, JulyAugust 1977, Pages 705710
Superficial doses in treatment of breast with tangential fields using 4 MV x-rays
Gran K. Svensson, Ph.D., Bengt E. Bjrngard, Ph.D., George T.Y. Chen, Ph.D., Ralph R. Weichselbaum, M.D.

Abstract
When treating intact and postoperative breast with high energy X-rays, exact knowledge of the dose to superficial
structures is essential in order to minimize acute skin reactions and assure adequate dose when the disease extends to
the surface of the skin. These objectives generally can be met with appropriate use of bolus material. In treatments with
tangential fields, the variation of the angle of incidence upon the curved surface influences the electron fluence in the
superficial region and thus the dose buildup.

The superficial dose distribution has been analyzed for 4 MV X-rays using single and opposing tangential beams, the
latter combination representative of a typical breast treatment. Buildup curves were measured with phosphorescence
dosimeters at different points at shallow depths below the curved surface of a breast phantom. A geometrical model is
developed which indicates that the buildup curves for oblique angles of incidence can be calculated from the curve for
perpendicular beam incidence except in cases of extreme tangential angles.

For single field irradiation, the depth of dose maximum in the principal plane varies between 2 mm at the apex of the
breast and about 8 mm for perpendicular incidence. On the exit side of the beam, a dose reduction is observed over
about 2 mm. The measured data are applied to the calculated dose distribution for a breast treatment with 30 wedges.
This approach makes it possible to determine the optimum use of bolus to meet the clinical objectives.