Modelling and Validation of a 6 MV Compact Linear Accelerator via Monte Carlo Simulation using Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE).

Abstract

Objective: To accurately model and validate the 6 MV Elekta Compact^TMlinear accelerator using the Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE). In particular, this study focuses on the precise calibration and validation of critical parameters, including jaw collimator positioning, electron source nominal energy, flattening filter geometry, and electron source spot size, which are often not provided in technical documentation. Methods: Simulation of the Elekta Compact^TM6 MV linear accelerator was performed using the Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE) v.9.1. A 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm water phantom was irradiated with a source-to-surface distance of 100 cm. Percentage Depth Dose Profile (PDD) and Lateral Dose Profile (Crossplane and Inplane) were assessed as reference dose measurements. The half-length field difference (FHLD) method was introduced to optimize the jaw collimator setup. Gamma index analysis was used to quantitatively assess the accuracy of the simulated dosimetry data in relation to the actual dose measurements. Results: Crucial parameters of the Linac Head have been successfully optimized. The validation achieved Gamma-Index acceptance rates of 97.93% for the Depth Dose profile, 100% for the Crossplane (X) Dose Profile, and 93.98% for the Inplane (Y) Dose Profile, all meeting the 1%/1mm Gamma-Index criteria. Conclusion: The simulation and calibration of the Elekta Compact^TMLinac have achieved a reliable model with high fidelity in dosimetry calculations which could pave the way for the future development and application of new techniques using Elekta Compact^TMLinear Accelerator.