Generation of material‐specific energy deposition kernels for kilovoltage x‐ray dose calculations

Purpose Dose calculation of kilovoltage x rays used in Image-Guided Radiotherapy has been investigated recent years using various methods. Among these methods are model-based ones that suffer from inaccuracies high-density materials and at interfaces when the energy range. The main reason for this is use water deposition kernels simplifications employed such as density scaling heterogeneous media. purpose study was to produce characterize material-specific kernels, which could be dose calculations These will also have utility superficial radiation therapy orthovoltage beams utilized small animal irradiators. Methods Water with resolutions; high-resolution, were generated range 10–150 kVp, EGSnrc Monte Carlo toolkit. further characterized by calculating effective depth penetration, radial distance, lateral distance. A simple benchmarking against Caro performed. Results There good agreement previously reported well between different resolution. evaluation laterals distances, defines relationship energy, material density, shape kernels. becomes more forwardly scattered increased. comparison calculated provides acceptable results. Conclusions generated, characterized, compared previous work. once algorithms capable employing them fully developed.