Approximation of collimator scatter factory, Sc, by a saturation model

To more easily estimate accurate values of collimator scatter factor, Sc, we suggest a two-component saturation model that accounts for scatter from the primary collimator and flattening filter and from the collimator jaws. This model, which assumes an exponential distribution of scatter intensity, was tested by in-air measurements using a mini-phantom for 4 MV and 10 MV X-rays of a Clinac 2100 C/D linear accelerator. The results showed a good fit of this model to our measured data (R2>0.9993). When the measured value was divided into the primary collimator/flattening filter component and the collimator jaw component, as expected, the former component showed a rapid and full saturation curve with increased field size, while the latter showed an almost linearly increasing curve. Therefore, we think that this saturation model is useful for the estimation of Sc and is applicable to monitor unit calculation for an asymmetric field. (author)