Dosimetry in the presence of strong magnetic fields

Magnetic resonance imaging–guided radiotherapy (MRIgRT) is an emerging technology that requires the use of radiation fields in the presence of magnetic (B) fields. In the presence of B-fields the Lorentz force influences the trajectories of the secondary electrons, which in turn affects both the dose distribution in water and the dose-response of ionization chambers and several other detectors. Thus, dosimetry in the presence of a B-field requires understanding both the B-field effects on the dose distribution and the response of detectors. In this paper we present measured data to show effects of the B-field on the dose distributions, response of ionization chambers, and presence of air-gaps surrounding the sensitive volume of the detector. (paper)