Comparison of Beam Profiles and Wedge Factors for Physical and Enhanced Dynamic Wedge

The linear accelerator (linac) is a device that uses highfrequency electromagnetic waves to accelerate charged particles such as electrons to high energies through a linear tube. The high-energy electron beam can be used for treating superficial tumours, or it can be made to strike a target to produce x-rays for treating deep-seated tumours. In the majority of instances, the collimated beam emerging from an X-ray tube can be directly applied to the patient. In some circumstances, it is desirable to modify the spacial distribution of radiation within the patient by the insertion of material into the beam. This is called beam modifying devices.