Computed Tomography Dosimeter Utilizing a Radiochromic Film and an Optical Common-mode Rejection Characterization and calibration of the GafChromic XRCT film

Gafchromic XRCT radiochromic film is a self-developing high sensitivity radiochromic film product which can be used for assessment of delivered radiation doses which could match applications such as computed tomography (CT) dosimetry. The film automatically changes color upon irradiation changing from amber to dark greenish-black depending on the level of exposure. The absorption spectra of Gafchromic XRCT radiochromic film as measured with reflectance spectrophotometry have been investigated to analyse the dosimetry characteristics of the film. Results show two main absorption peaks produced from irradiation located at around 630 nm and 580 nm. We employed a commercially available, optical flatbed scanner for digitization of the film and image analysis software to determine the response of the XRCT films to ionizing radiation. The two doseresponse curves as a function of delivered dose ranging from 1.069 to 119.7 mGy for tube voltages of 80, 100, and 120 kV X-ray beams and from films scanned 24 hrs after exposure are obtained. One represents the net optical density obtained with the conventional analysis way using only red component and another shows the net reduced OD with the optical CMR scheme, which we developed, using red and green components. The measured ODs obtained with the optical CMR scheme show a good consistency among four samples and all values show an improved consistency with a second-order polynomial fit less than 1 mGy, while those with the conventional analysis exhibited a large discrepancy among four samples and did not show a consistency with a second-order polynomial fit less than 1 mGy. This result combined with its energy independence from 80 kV to 120 kV X-ray energy range provides a unique enhancement in dosimetric measurement capabilities such as the acquisition of high-spatial resolution and calibrated radiation dose profiles over currently available dosimetry films for CT applications.