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Title: Examples of deterministic and Monte Carlo algorithms for cryptographic applications.
Creator: McPherson, Joe Cullen, Florida Atlantic University, Hoffman, Frederick
Abstract/Description: In this thesis two different types of computer algorithms, Deterministic and Monte Carlo, are illustrated. Implementations of the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm and the Parallelized Pollard Rho Search are described here. The questions of what these two algorithms provide to the field of cryptography and why they have proven themselves important to cryptography are briefly discussed. It is also shown that with a little extra knowledge, the Parallelized Pollard Rho Search may be easily modified to...
Show moreIn this thesis two different types of computer algorithms, Deterministic and Monte Carlo, are illustrated. Implementations of the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm and the Parallelized Pollard Rho Search are described here. The questions of what these two algorithms provide to the field of cryptography and why they have proven themselves important to cryptography are briefly discussed. It is also shown that with a little extra knowledge, the Parallelized Pollard Rho Search may be easily modified to improve its performance.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12687
Subject Headings: Monte Carlo method, Computer algorithms, Cryptography
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A mid-frequency vibration analysis of a T-beam.
Creator: Fremiot, Thomas., Florida Atlantic University, Cuschieri, Joseph M.
Abstract/Description: This thesis describes a numerical technique for modeling the vibrational behavior of a complex structure in the mid-frequency range. The structure is divided into subsystems, and each subsystem is modeled using Finite Elements. The obtained results are then manipulated to model variations in the response due to nominal variations in the structure. Based on a Component Mode Synthesis representation, the calculations lead to a deterministic energy flow model. The model represents the...
Show moreThis thesis describes a numerical technique for modeling the vibrational behavior of a complex structure in the mid-frequency range. The structure is divided into subsystems, and each subsystem is modeled using Finite Elements. The obtained results are then manipulated to model variations in the response due to nominal variations in the structure. Based on a Component Mode Synthesis representation, the calculations lead to a deterministic energy flow model. The model represents the deterministic dynamic behavior of the structure for mid frequencies. However, in mid frequencies, the response is sensitive to perturbations in the properties of the structure. An appropriate way to represent those perturbations is to calculate the response of an ensemble of structures. The ensemble is defined in terms of the statistics of the local natural frequencies. A technique combining a Monte Carlo simulation with the Perturbation approach is used to relate the perturbations in the local natural frequencies to the statistics of the energy flow. This combined method is computationally tractable, being several times faster than a full Monte Carlo simulation of the whole global structure.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12739
Subject Headings: Concrete beams--Vibration, Finite element methods, Monte Carlo method
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Experimental validation of a laser pulse time-history model.
Creator: Dalgleish, Fraser R., Caimi, F. M., Yueting, W., Britton, W. B., Shirron, J. J., Giddings, T. E., Mazel, C. H., Glynn, J. M., Towle, J. P.
Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3340787
Subject Headings: Imaging systems, Lasers, Small-angle scattering, Monte Carlo method
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Potential Efficacy of the Monte Carlo Dose Calculations of 6MV Flattening Filter-Free Photon Beam of M6™ Cyberknife® System.
Creator: Neupane, Taindra, Shang, Charles, Leventouri, Theodora, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: MapCheck measurements for 50 retrospective patient’s treatment plans suggested that MapCheck could be effectively employed in routine patient specific quality assurance in M6 Cyberknife with beams delivered at different treatment angles. However, these measurements also suggested that for highly intensity modulated MLC plans, field segments of width
Show moreMapCheck measurements for 50 retrospective patient’s treatment plans suggested that MapCheck could be effectively employed in routine patient specific quality assurance in M6 Cyberknife with beams delivered at different treatment angles. However, these measurements also suggested that for highly intensity modulated MLC plans, field segments of width < 8 mm should further be analyzed with a modified (-4%) correction factor. Results of MC simulations of the M6 Cyberknife using the EGSnrc program for 2-5 millions of incident particles in BEAMnrc and 10-20 millions in DOSXYZnrc have shown dose uncertainties within 2% for open fields from 7.6 x 7.7 mm2 to 100 x 100 mm2. Energy and corresponding FWHM were optimized by comparing with water phantom measurements at 800 mm SAD resulting to E = 7 MeV and FWHM = 2.2 mm. Good agreement of dose profiles (within 2%) and outputs (within 3%) were found between the MC simulations and water phantom measurements for the open fields.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013147
Subject Headings: Radiosurgery--Quality control, Monte Carlo method, Radiation dosimetry
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Micro-model for paper.
Creator: Lu, Wentao, Florida Atlantic University, Carlsson, Leif A., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: An aggregate (mosaic) model is proposed to represent the structure of paper and model the mechanical properties. The model treats paper as an aggregate of three subregions of characteristic materials, viz. bonded regions, unbonded regions (free fiber segments) and voids. A computer simulation based on the Monte Carlo method is performed to generate random and oriented paper sheets and input parameters for the aggregate model. The number of fiber crossings, total bonded area, average free...
Show moreAn aggregate (mosaic) model is proposed to represent the structure of paper and model the mechanical properties. The model treats paper as an aggregate of three subregions of characteristic materials, viz. bonded regions, unbonded regions (free fiber segments) and voids. A computer simulation based on the Monte Carlo method is performed to generate random and oriented paper sheets and input parameters for the aggregate model. The number of fiber crossings, total bonded area, average free fiber segment length and volume fractions of bonded material and free fiber segments and apparent sheet density are obtained from the statistical geometry description of the paper structure. The upper and lower bounds on the elastic moduli and moisture swelling coefficients of void-free paper are derived based on anisotropic elasticity theory and a fiber orientation distribution parameter. The finite element method is applied to generate effective elastic moduli and moisture swelling coefficients of the aggregate model consisting of fiber crossings and segments, but no voids. The elastic moduli of paper so obtained are corrected for the voids present in paper. The predictions are compared with previously published experimental results, and it is demonstrated that the results generally fall within the theoretical bounds. The mosaic model was shown to approximate the mechanical properties of paper.
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Date Issued: 1994
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15064
Subject Headings: Paper, Papermaking, Monte Carlo method--Computer simulation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Efficacy of the virtual cone method using fixed small multi-leaf collimator field for stereotactic radiosurgery.
Creator: Neupane, Taindra, Leventouri, Theodora, Shang, Charles, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Physics, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Dosimetric uncertainty in very small (
Show moreDosimetric uncertainty in very small (< 2 x 2 cm2) photon fields is notably higher that has created research questions when using small-field virtual cone with variable multileaf collimator (MLC) fields. We evaluate the efficacy of the virtual cone with a fixed MLC field for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of small targets such as trigeminal neuralgia. We employed a virtual cone technique with a fixed field geometry, called fixed virtual cone (fVC), for small target radiosurgery using the EDGE (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) linac. The fVC is characterized by 0.5 cm x 0.5 cm high-definition MLC field of 10 MV flattening filter-free (FFF) beam defined at 100 cm SAD, while jaws are positioned at 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm. A spherical dose distribution equivalent to 5 mm cone was generated by using 10–14 non-coplanar partial arcs. The dosimetric accuracy of this technique was validated using the SRS MapCHECK (Sun Nuclear Corporation, FL) and the EBT3 (Ashland Inc., NJ) film based on absolute dose measurements. For the quality assurance (QA), 10 treatment plans for trigeminal neuralgia consisting of various arc fields at different collimator angles were analyzed retrospectively using 6 MV and 10 MV FFF beams, including the field-by-field study (n = 130 fields). Dose outputs were compared between the SRS MapCHECK measurements and Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) with Acuros XB algorithm (version 16.1). In addition, important clinical parameters of 15 cases treated for trigeminal neuralgia were evaluated for the clinical performance. Moreover, dosimetric (field output factors, dose/MU) uncertainties considering a minute (± 0.5–1.0 mm) leaf shift in the field defining fVC, were examined from the TPS, SRS diode (PTW 60018) measurements, and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013958
Subject Headings: Radiation dosimetry, Radiosurgery, Collimators (Optical instrument), Monte Carlo method
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: NON-RADIOACTIVE ELEMENTS FOR PROMPT GAMMA ENHANCEMENT IN PROTON THERAPY.
Creator: Galanakou, Panagiota, Muhammad, Wazir, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Physics, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Intensity modulated proton beam scanning therapy allows for highly conformal dose distribution and better sparing of organ-at-risk compared to conventional photon radiotherapy, thanks to the characteristic dose deposition at depth, the Bragg Peak (BP), of protons as a function of depth and energy. However, proton range uncertainties lead to extended clinical margins, at the expense of treatment quality. Prompt Gamma (PG) rays emitted during non- elastic interactions of proton with the matter...
Show moreIntensity modulated proton beam scanning therapy allows for highly conformal dose distribution and better sparing of organ-at-risk compared to conventional photon radiotherapy, thanks to the characteristic dose deposition at depth, the Bragg Peak (BP), of protons as a function of depth and energy. However, proton range uncertainties lead to extended clinical margins, at the expense of treatment quality. Prompt Gamma (PG) rays emitted during non- elastic interactions of proton with the matter have been proposed for in-vivo proton range tracking. Nevertheless, poor PG statistics downgrade the potential of the clinical implementation of the proposed techniques. We study the insertion of the nonradioactive elements 19F, 17O, 127I in a tumor area to enhance the PG production of 4.44 MeV (P1) and 6.15 MeV (P2) PG rays emitted during proton irradiation, both correlated with the distal fall-off of the BP. We developed a novel Monte Carlo (MC) model using the TOPAS MC package. With this model, we simulated incident proton beams with energies of 75 MeV, 100 MeV and 200 MeV in co-centric cylindrical phantoms. The outer cylinder (scorer) was filled with water and the inner cylinder (simulating a tumor region inside water-equivalent body) was filled with water containing 0.1%–20% weight fractions of each of the tested elements.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014222
Subject Headings: Proton Therapy, Monte Carlo method--Simulation, Gamma rays
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Efficient laser pulse dispersion codes for turbid undersea imaging and communications applications.
Creator: Dalgleish, Fraser R., Caimi, F. M., Vuorenkoski, Anni K., Britton, W. B., Ramos, Brian, Giddings, T. E., Shirron, J. J., Mazel, C. H.
Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3340792
Subject Headings: Underwater imaging systems, Laser communication systems, Radiative transfer, Monte Carlo method
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Dosimetry comparison between treatment plans computed with Finite size pencil beam algorithm and Monte Carlo algorithm using InCise™ Multileaf collimator equipped CyberKnife® System.
Creator: Galpayage Dona, Kalpani Nisansala Udeni, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: Since the release of the Cyberknife Multileaf Collimator (CK-MLC), it has been a constant concern on the realistic dose differences computed with its early-available Finite Size Pencil Beam algorithm (FSPB) from those computed by using industry well-accepted algorithms such as the Monte Carlo (MC) dose algorithm. In this study dose disparities between FSPB and MC dose calculation algorithms for selected CK-MLC treatment plans were quantified. The dosimetry for planning target volume (PTV) and...
Show moreSince the release of the Cyberknife Multileaf Collimator (CK-MLC), it has been a constant concern on the realistic dose differences computed with its early-available Finite Size Pencil Beam algorithm (FSPB) from those computed by using industry well-accepted algorithms such as the Monte Carlo (MC) dose algorithm. In this study dose disparities between FSPB and MC dose calculation algorithms for selected CK-MLC treatment plans were quantified. The dosimetry for planning target volume (PTV) and major organs at risks (OAR) was compared by calculating normalized percentage deviations (Ndev) between the two algorithms. It is found that the FSPB algorithm overestimates D95 of PTV when compared with the MC algorithm by averaging 24.0% in detached lung cases, and 15.0% in non-detached lung cases which is attributed to the absence of heterogeneity correction in the FSPB algorithm. Average dose differences are 0.3% in intracranial and 0.9% in pancreas cases. Ndev for the D95 of PTV range from 8.8% to 14.1% for the CK-MLC lung treatment plans with small field (SF ≤ 2x2cm2). Ndev is ranged from 0.5-7.0% for OARs.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013123
Subject Headings: Radiosurgery, Radiation dosimetry, Monte Carlo method, Algorithms, Lung Neoplasms--radiotherapy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Modeling and analysis of global collaborative outsourcing manufacturing systems (GCOM) using Monte Carlo simulation.
Creator: Srinuwattiwong, Prapoj., Florida Atlantic University, Han, Chingping (Jim), College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Our research establishes the platform and modeling for the new trend in today's Global Supply Chain Management Systems (GCOM). The framework consists of various practical policies with respect to booking units, reserve-price, and the preservation of relationship between the outsourcing organization and their contract manufacturers. Mathematical models have been studied and reconciled to constitute the most suitable expression. Monte Carlo Simulation is chosen to describe the outsourcing's...
Show moreOur research establishes the platform and modeling for the new trend in today's Global Supply Chain Management Systems (GCOM). The framework consists of various practical policies with respect to booking units, reserve-price, and the preservation of relationship between the outsourcing organization and their contract manufacturers. Mathematical models have been studied and reconciled to constitute the most suitable expression. Monte Carlo Simulation is chosen to describe the outsourcing's phenomena under our given conditions. The study path may be useful for both SCM's analyst and any global organization looking for the offshore outsourcing in order to establish the optimal point in reserving the production's capacity with the cognition in today's fluctuated global demand and currency exchange rate.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12018
Subject Headings: Offshore assembly industry, Monte Carlo method, Business logistics, Physical distribution of goods--Management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Pair-interactions in alloys.
Creator: Cang, Songluan., Florida Atlantic University, Faulkner, J. Samuel
Abstract/Description: The embedded cluster Monte Carlo (ECMC) method which combines the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker coherent potential approximation embedded cluster method (KKR-CPA-ECM) and the Monte Carlo method has been developed in order to study phase diagrams of binary alloys. The KKR-CPA-ECM provides interchange energies to the Monte Carlo code. In this thesis, a pair-interaction (PI) method is used to provide interchange energies to the Monte Carlo code. The code of the PI method is obtained based on the KKR...
Show moreThe embedded cluster Monte Carlo (ECMC) method which combines the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker coherent potential approximation embedded cluster method (KKR-CPA-ECM) and the Monte Carlo method has been developed in order to study phase diagrams of binary alloys. The KKR-CPA-ECM provides interchange energies to the Monte Carlo code. In this thesis, a pair-interaction (PI) method is used to provide interchange energies to the Monte Carlo code. The code of the PI method is obtained based on the KKR-CPA-ECM code. The interchange energies of Cu0.5 Zn0.5 alloys are calculated with the PI method. The critical temperature and the phase boundary of Cu-Zn alloys are obtained by carrying out both Monte Carlo calculations with above interchange energies and the ECMC calculations. A comparison between the results of both methods is made.
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Date Issued: 1996
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15266
Subject Headings: Alloys, Monte Carlo method, Order-disorder in alloys, Binary systems (Metallurgy)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparison of treatment plans calculated using ray tracing and Monte Carlo algorithms for lung cancer patients having undergone radiotherapy with cyberknife.
Creator: Pennington, Andreea, Selvaraj, Raj, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research is to determine the feasibility of introducing the Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculation algorithm into the clinical practice. Unlike the Ray Tracing (RT) algorithm, the MC algorithm is not affected by the tissue inhomogeneities, which are significant inside the chest cavity. A retrospective study was completed for 102 plans calculated using both the RT and MC algorithms. The D95 of the PTV was 26% lower for the MC calculation. The first parameter of conformality, as...
Show moreThe purpose of this research is to determine the feasibility of introducing the Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculation algorithm into the clinical practice. Unlike the Ray Tracing (RT) algorithm, the MC algorithm is not affected by the tissue inhomogeneities, which are significant inside the chest cavity. A retrospective study was completed for 102 plans calculated using both the RT and MC algorithms. The D95 of the PTV was 26% lower for the MC calculation. The first parameter of conformality, as defined as the ratio of the Prescription Isodose Volume to the PTV Volume was on average 1.27 for RT and 0.67 for MC. The results confirm that the RT algorithm significantly overestimates the dosages delivered confirming previous analyses. Correlations indicate that these overestimates are largest for small PTV and/or when the ratio of the volume of lung tissue to the PTV approaches 1.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004316
Subject Headings: Computer graphics, Diagnostic imaging, Image guided radiation therapy, Lung cancer -- Treatment, Lungs -- Cancer -- Radiotherapy, Monte Carlo method
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Exploring appropriate offset values for pencil beam and Monte Carlo dose optimization in lung stereotactic body radiotherapy encompassing the effects of respiration and tumor location.
Creator: Evans, Grant, Shang, Charles, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: Evaluation of dose optimization using the Pencil Beam (PB) and Monte Carlo (MC) algorithms may allow physicists to apply dosimetric offsets to account for inaccuracies of the PB algorithm for lung cancer treatment with Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT). 20 cases of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) were selected. Treatment plans were created with Brainlab iPlanDose® 4.1.2. The D97 of the Planning Target Volume (PTV) was normalized to 50 Gy on the Average Intensity Projection (AIP) using...
Show moreEvaluation of dose optimization using the Pencil Beam (PB) and Monte Carlo (MC) algorithms may allow physicists to apply dosimetric offsets to account for inaccuracies of the PB algorithm for lung cancer treatment with Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT). 20 cases of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) were selected. Treatment plans were created with Brainlab iPlanDose® 4.1.2. The D97 of the Planning Target Volume (PTV) was normalized to 50 Gy on the Average Intensity Projection (AIP) using the fast PB and compared with MC. This exact plan with the same beam Monitor Units (MUs) was recalculated over each respiratory phase. The results show that the PB algorithm has a 2.3-2.4% less overestimation at the maximum exhalation phase than the maximum inhalation phase when compared to MC. Significantly smaller dose difference between PB and MC is also shown in plans for peripheral lesions (7.7 ± 0.7%) versus central lesions (12.7±0.8%)(p< 0.01).
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004105, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004105
Subject Headings: Drug development -- Computer simulation, Image guided radiation therapy, Lung cancer -- Treatment, Monte Carlo method, Proton beams, Transport theory
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Validation of a Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm for clinical electron beams in the presence of phantoms with complex heterogeneities.
Creator: Enright, Shayla Landfair, Pella, Silvia, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this thesis is to validate the Monte Carlo algorithm for electron radiotherapy in the Eclipse™ treatment planning system (TPS), and to compare the accuracy of the Electron Monte Carlo algorithm (eMC) to the Pencil Beam algorithm (PB) in Eclipse™. Dose distributions from GafChromic™ EBT3 film measurements were compared to dose distributions from eMC and PB treatment plans. Measurements were obtained with 6MeV, 9MeV, and 12MeV electron beams at various depths. A 1 cm thick solid...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to validate the Monte Carlo algorithm for electron radiotherapy in the Eclipse™ treatment planning system (TPS), and to compare the accuracy of the Electron Monte Carlo algorithm (eMC) to the Pencil Beam algorithm (PB) in Eclipse™. Dose distributions from GafChromic™ EBT3 film measurements were compared to dose distributions from eMC and PB treatment plans. Measurements were obtained with 6MeV, 9MeV, and 12MeV electron beams at various depths. A 1 cm thick solid water template with holes for bone-like and lung-like plugs was used to create assorted configurations and heterogeneities. Dose distributions from eMC plans agreed better with the film measurements based on gamma analysis. Gamma values for eMC were between 83%-99%, whereas gamma values for PB treatment plans were as low as 38.66%. Our results show that using the eMC algorithm will improve dose accuracy in regions with heterogeneities and should be considered over PB.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004192
Subject Headings: Electron beams -- Therapeutic use, Image guided radiotherapy, Monte Carlo method, Proton beams -- Therapeutic use, Radiation dosimetry, Radiotherapy, High energy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A dosimetric study of a heterogeneous phantom for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy comparing Monte Carlo and pencil beam calculations to dose distributions measured with a 2-d diode array.
Creator: Curley, Casey Michael, Ouhib, Zoubir, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: Monte Carlo (MC) and Pencil Beam (PB) calculations are compared to their measured planar dose distributions using a 2-D diode array for lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). The planar dose distributions were studied for two different phantom types: an in-house heterogeneous phantom and a homogeneous phantom. The motivation is to mimic the human anatomy during a lung SBRT treatment and incorporate heterogeneities into the pre-treatment Quality Assurance process, where measured and...
Show moreMonte Carlo (MC) and Pencil Beam (PB) calculations are compared to their measured planar dose distributions using a 2-D diode array for lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). The planar dose distributions were studied for two different phantom types: an in-house heterogeneous phantom and a homogeneous phantom. The motivation is to mimic the human anatomy during a lung SBRT treatment and incorporate heterogeneities into the pre-treatment Quality Assurance process, where measured and calculated planar dose distributions are compared before the radiation treatment. Individual and combined field dosimetry has been performed for both fixed gantry angle (anterior to posterior) and planned gantry angle delivery. A gamma analysis has been performed for all beam arrangements. The measurements were obtained using the 2-D diode array MapCHECK 2™.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004360
Subject Headings: Cancer -- Radiotherapy, Drug development -- Computer simulation, Image guided radiation therapy, Ion bombardment, Lung cancer -- Treatment, Medical physics, Monte Carlo method, Proton beams
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Phantom Study Incorporating A Diode Array Into The Treatment Planning System For Patient-Specific Quality Assurance.
Creator: Curley, Casey Michael, Leventouri, Theodora, Ouhib, Zoubir, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research is to accurately match the calculation environment, i.e. the treatment planning system (TPS) with the measurement environment (using a 2-D diode array) for lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) patient-specific quality assurance (QA). Furthermore, a new phantom was studied in which the 2-D array and heterogeneities were incorporated into the patient-specific QA process for lung SBRT. Dual source dual energy computerized tomography (DSCT) and single...
Show moreThe purpose of this research is to accurately match the calculation environment, i.e. the treatment planning system (TPS) with the measurement environment (using a 2-D diode array) for lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) patient-specific quality assurance (QA). Furthermore, a new phantom was studied in which the 2-D array and heterogeneities were incorporated into the patient-specific QA process for lung SBRT. Dual source dual energy computerized tomography (DSCT) and single energy computerized tomography (SECT) were used to model phantoms incorporating a 2-D diode array into the TPS. A water-equivalent and a heterogeneous phantom (simulating the thoracic region of a patient) were studied. Monte Carlo and pencil beam dose distributions were compared to the measured distributions. Composite and individual fields were analyzed for normally incident and planned gantry angle deliveries. The distributions were compared using γ-analysis for criteria 3% 3mm, 2% 2mm, and 1% 1mm. The Monte Carlo calculations for the DSCT modeled phantoms (incorporating the array) showed an increase in the passing percentage magnitude for 46.4 % of the fields at 3% 3mm, 85.7% at 2% 2mm, and 92.9% at 1% 1mm. The Monte Carlo calculations gave no agreement for the same γ-analysis criteria using the SECT. Pencil beam calculations resulted in lower passing percentages when the diode array was incorporated in the TPS. The DSCT modeled phantoms (incorporating the array) exhibited decrease in the passing percentage magnitude for 85.7% of the fields at 3% 3mm, 82.1% at 2% 2mm, and 71.4% at 1% 1mm. In SECT modeled phantoms (incorporating the array), a decrease in passing percentage magnitude were found for 92.9% of the fields at 3% 3mm, 89.3% at 2% 2mm, and 82.1% at 1% 1mm. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that including the diode array in the TPS results in increased passing percentages when using a DSCT system with a Monte Carlo algorithm for patient-specific lung SBRT QA. Furthermore, as recommended by task groups (e.g. TG 65, TG 101, TG 244) of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), pencil beam algorithms should be avoided in the presence of heterogeneous materials, including a diode array.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004744, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004744
Subject Headings: Cancer--Radiotherapy., Lungs--Cancer--Treatment., Monte Carlo method., Proton beams., Image-guided radiation therapy., Ion bombardment., Medical physics.
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (14)	+ -
HBOI Faculty Contributions (2)	+ -

Monte Carlo method (13)	+ -
Radiation dosimetry (4)	+ -
Image guided radiation therapy (3)	+ -
Lung cancer -- Treatment (3)	+ -
Drug development -- Computer simulation (2)	+ -

Proton beams (2)	+ -
Radiosurgery (2)	+ -
Algorithms (1)	+ -
Alloys (1)	+ -
Binary systems (Metallurgy) (1)	+ -
Business logistics (1)	+ -
Cancer -- Radiotherapy (1)	+ -
Cancer--Radiotherapy. (1)	+ -
Collimators (Optical instrument) (1)	+ -
Computer algorithms (1)	+ -
Computer graphics (1)	+ -
Concrete beams--Vibration (1)	+ -
Cryptography (1)	+ -
Diagnostic imaging (1)	+ -
Electron beams -- Therapeutic use (1)	+ -
Finite element methods (1)	+ -
Gamma rays (1)	+ -
Image guided radiotherapy (1)	+ -
Image-guided radiation therapy. (1)	+ -
Imaging systems (1)	+ -
Ion bombardment (1)	+ -
Ion bombardment. (1)	+ -
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Lasers (1)	+ -
Lung Neoplasms--radiotherapy (1)	+ -

Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (14)	+ -
article (2)	+ -

Florida Atlantic University (14)	+ -
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (9)	+ -
Department of Physics (9)	+ -
Leventouri, Theodora (3)	+ -
Shang, Charles (3)	+ -

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