Compact Embedded Detection Electronics for Accurate Dose Measurements of MV Pulsed X-rays and Electrons

Modern radiation therapies in which ultranarrow, collimated radiation beams are used to treat evenirregular tumor geometries are leading to new challenges indosimetry. In this context, FLASH technique, involving the useof high dose-rates as well as ultra-high dose-per-pulse beams, isreceiving more and more attention. On this basis, thedevelopment of detection systems capable of meeting thestringent requirements of dose-per-pulse monitoring, such asreal-time acquisition and processing of dosimeter signals, isbecoming crucial. In this work, the main features of a syntheticsingle-crystal diamond dosimeter coupled to a specificallydesigned compact and versatile front-end electronics areillustrated. Proposed system is able to monitor the generatedcharge by the detector at every pulse on the impinging beam.Tests were performed for synchronous measurements undereither X-ray photons or electrons generated by a medical linearaccelerator, with an accelerating voltage of 6 MV. Experimentalresults highlight that diamond dosimeter displays a responseonly dependent on the impinging dose regardless of the beamnature (X-rays or electrons), therefore confirming that diamondis the elective material for accurate dosimetry in radiotherapy.The system acquires, processes and transfers the data within0.5 ms, thus allowing for a real time monitoring for pulserepetition rates up to more than 2 kHz. Exploiting the highquality of the implemented components, the proposed front-endand read-out electronics represents an effective solution foraccurate dose-per-pulse measurements in modern radiotherapytechniques.