Development of multi-layer ionization chamber for heavy-ion therapy

In heavy-ion radiotherapy, depth dose distributions measured in water phantom are applied to estimate the dose distributions in a patient body. In order to obtain depth dose distributions in water phantom easily and rapidly, Multi-Layer Ionization Chamber (MLIC) was developed and had been adapted as a field dosimeter at NIRS since 2002. Production cross section of fragments in high Z material of the MLIC, however, is very different from those in water material. Then, empirical correction should be required. In order to obtain depth dose distributions with high accuracy, we have to use low Z material as a phantom, which are thought to produce similar fragments with water phantom. From this point of view, we have developed a new MLIC made up of low Z materials, PMMA and graphite film. (author)