Strategies for accurate response assessment of radiochromic film using flatbed scanner for beam quality assurance

Radiochromic film is a useful tool for beam quality assurance, but accurate response assessment of the film is still a problem. In this study, the response uncertainties of HDV2 film were investigated using a flatbed scanner from both the scanning settings and interscan variability. Scanning settings are fixed conditions for scanning, including scanning resolution and focus setting.In this study, multipeak distributions of pixel values were found under some dots-per-inch values, which should be avoided, and the optimal setting of 2000 dpi without this problem was selected. By changing the focus setting, the relative standard deviation of pixel values was reduced by 36–50%. The influence of the interscan variability induced by three factors was investigated, including the outside illumination intensity, film homogeneity, and operating temperature. Scanning the film before and after irradiation at the same position was recommended. Moreover, the suitable operating temperature range for the scanner was found to be 15–24 °C, which results in stable film responses. Regarding the studied factors, correction methods and strategies were proposed, and the accurate response assessment of HDV2 film was realized. Finally, a standard operating procedure for response assessment of films was introduced. It can help other researchers study more scanners, films, and particle types.