A High-Spatial Resolution, High-Sensitivity, Rapid OSL Dosimetry System For Brachytherapy

This project seeks proof-of-concept and prototype demonstration of a high-spatial resolution, high-sensitivity, rapid in-vitro dosimeter system for calibration and dose measurements of brachytherapy radiation sources. The present innovation utilizes the high sensitivity of Pulsed Optically Stimulated Luminescence (POSL) from Al2O3:C proprietary luminescence materials, coupled to a fiber optic delivery system. We expect measurable signals of 1 mGy in passive mode and 1 mGy/s in active mode from small (< 0.5 mm in all three dimensions) detectors with high signal-to-noise. Readout is predicted to be rapid, enabling scanning of measurements from multiple locations surrounding the source. We also test the feasibility of energy independence through calibration of several detectors of different sizes, and extrapolation to a detector size of zero. The technical implications of the innovation are the development of a system that not only solves a problem of brachytherapy source calibration, but the innovation is also designed to be used in vivo during patient treatment, thereby ensuring the same calibration device for in-vitro and in-vivo measurements. The device is free from magnetic or electrical interference and can also be used with teletherapy sources. Commercial applications of the device will be found in all radio-oncology treatment and source calibration facilities.