Dosimetric characteristics of a commercial multileaf collimator.

The dosimetric characteristics of a multileaf collimator (MLC) retrofitted to a SL25 linear accelerator have been investigated. Central-axis depth dose, surface dose, penumbra, beam flatness and symmetry, field size factors, beam transmission through leaves and/or diaphragms, and leakage between the leaves were measured. Quantitative measurements of all beam parameters show good agreement with the design specifications of the manufacturer. No changes were observed in flatness, symmetry, penumbra, and penetration for both 6- and 25-MV photon beams when compared to the values for the standard collimator. No significant differences were observed in the penumbra as a function of leaf position. Transmission measurements in areas shielded by either X diaphragms or leaves plus diaphragms are less than 1% of dose within open field. The average leakage between leaves is about 2.5% for 6-MV and 3.5% for 25-MV photon beams. The peak value of the leakage at any point between leaves is less than 5%. The dosimetric features of shaped fields using the MLC are comparable to those of alloy shaped fields with the standard SL25 collimator.