Multileaf collimator (MLC) is now rapidly replacing the lead alloy block to shape the radiation treatment field. In addition to its defect of rectangular field shaping and increased penumbra width, it has another possible problem, and that is of radiation transmission between leaves, which needs to be maintained at as low a level as is permissible. The authors measured and analyzed the inter-leaf and cross-leaf transmissions of MLC by Varian Associates Inc. before its clinical application. The inter-leaf and cross-leaf transmissions were calculated by comparing the measured point doses in the polystyrene phantom in the open field and in a total closure of MLC. The beam profile of the inter-leaf and cross-leaf transmissions were depicted by using a water phantom. A photon beam of 6 MV was used in the measurement. The inter-leaf transmission was 1.63∼1.67%, indicating that the shielding effect of MLC is excellent. However, the cross-leaf transmission in the central area was 18.4∼18.7% and this is well over the clinically acceptable limitation of 5%. The beam profile of cross-leaf transmission displayed 80∼90% transmission near the field edge, so that the cross-leaf transmission was 14∼17% in this area. The multileaf collimator has an excellent shielding effect and the inter-leaf transmission is negligible so that it can be used in clinic as a good replacement of the conventional lead alloy block. However, care must be taken to avoid the cross-leaf transmission in the radiation field.

KeywordsMultileaf collimator, Inter-leaf transmission, Cross-leaf transmission