Dosimeter having an array of sensors for measuring ionizing radiation, and dosimetry system and method using such a dosimeter
First Claim
1. A dosimeter for measuring ionizing radiation comprising a plurality of Insulated Gate Field Effect Transistor (IGFET) radiation sensors spaced apart at predetermined intervals on a support and means for coupling the sensors to means for reading the sensors selectively.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a dosimeter for measuring levels of ionizing radiation, for example during radiotherapy, a plurality of radiation sensors, such as insulated gate field effect transistors (IGFETs), are spaced apart at predetermined intervals on a support, for example a flexible printed circuit strip, and connected to a connector which can be coupled to a reader for reading the sensors. The sensors may each be connected to a reference device, which may also be an insulated gate field effect transistor, and the absorbed radiation dose may be determined by measuring, before and after the irradiation, the difference between the threshold voltages of the individual sensors and the threshold voltage reference device. Corresponding terminals of the sensors may be connected to the connector by a single conductor, thereby reducing the number of conductors required.
75 Citations
53 Claims
- 1. A dosimeter for measuring ionizing radiation comprising a plurality of Insulated Gate Field Effect Transistor (IGFET) radiation sensors spaced apart at predetermined intervals on a support and means for coupling the sensors to means for reading the sensors selectively.
- 25. A dosimetry system comprising a dosimeter for measuring ionizing radiation comprising a plurality of Insulated Gate Field Effect Transistor (IGFET) radiation sensors spaced apart at predetermined intervals on a support, reading means coupled to said plurality of sensors, respectively, the reading means being adapted to obtain readings from at least some of the plurality of radiation sensors, and means coupling the reading means to a processor for processing said readings.
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28. A method of measuring ionizing radiation using a dosimeter having a plurality of IGFET radiation sensors spaced apart at predetermined intervals on a support and means for coupling the sensors to means for reading the sensors following irradiation thereof, the method comprising the steps of:
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(i) positioning the dosimeter so that the plurality of sensors are at or adjacent a site to be irradiated;
(ii) irradiating the site so that at least some of the sensors are irradiated; and
(iii) reading the dose received by each individual sensor. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 49, 50, 51)
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33. A method of positioning an IGFET dosimeter identifiable by a predetermined imaging equipment, the method comprising the steps of:
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(i) placing the dosimeter on or into a body so as to position the one or more sensors at or adjacent a site to be irradiated;
(ii) using the imaging equipment, determining the position of the dosimeter;
(iii) adjusting the dosimeter position as necessary; and
(iv) repeating steps (ii) and (iii) unless or until the dosimeter is in a desired location. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36)
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37. A method of testing an irradiation system using at least one IGFET dosimeter for measuring ionizing radiation and comprising a plurality of radiation sensors spaced apart at predetermined intervals on a support and means for coupling the sensors to means for reading the sensors following irradiation thereof, the method comprising the steps of:
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(i) inserting the at least one dosimeter into a phantom;
(ii) irradiating the phantom; and
(iii) measuring the individual radiation doses received by the sensors. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40, 41)
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- 42. A phantom for use in calibrating a radiation system, the phantom comprising a plurality of IGFET radiation sensors encapsulated within the phantom to form an array, and means for addressing the array for reading the sensors individually after irradiation.
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53. A dosimeter for measuring ionizing radiation comprising a plurality of isotropic diode radiation sensors spaced apart at predetermined intervals on a support and means for coupling the sensors to means for reading the sensors.
Specification