Performance of semiconductor dosimeters with a range of radiation qualities used for mammography: A calibration laboratory study

PURPOSE: To investigate the radiation quality dependence of the response of commercial semiconductor‐based dosimeters, and to estimate potential errors and uncertainties related to different measurement and calibration scenarios. METHODS: All measurement results were compared to reference values measured at the IAEA dosimetry laboratory which is traceable to the international system of units (SI). Energy dependence of the response of eight semiconductor dosimeters were determined for five different anode‐filter combinations and tube voltages from 25 to 35 kV. For systems capable of deriving half value layer (HVL) and tube voltage from measurements, calibration coefficients for these measurements were calculated. RESULTS: For six dosimeters, the maximum deviations from the reference value of the air kerma measurement were within ±5% as required by IEC 61674. Calibration coefficients for radiation qualities (anode‐filter and tube voltage combinations) relative to reference radiation quality Mo‐Mo 28 kV deviate up to 12%. HVL and tube voltage measurements exhibited deviations up to 11% and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The air kerma responses of modern semiconductor dosimeters have a small energy dependence. However, no dosimeter tested complied with the accuracy limits stated by the manufacturer for tube voltage measurements, and only two dosimeters complied with the limits for HVL measurements. Absolute measurement of HVL and tube voltage with semiconductor dosimeters have to be verified for actual clinical radiation conditions on clinical mammography systems. Semiconductor dosimeters can be used for quality control measurements if individual calibration coefficients are available for the radiation condition applied. If other conditions are applied, additional uncertainty needs to be considered, particularly in the case of HVL and tube voltage measurements.