This book is a comprehensive introduction to the principles and technology of linear accelerators (linacs) used in radiation therapy.
Following a brief overview of the components of a typical linac, each subsequent chapter deals in detail with one component or part of the process of generating clinically useful photon and electron beams.
Chapters cover electron acceleration processes, production and transport of electron beams, beam shaping and steering, and generation and control of microwave power sources. Topics such as commissioning, radiation protection and maintenance are also described in full. The use of the linac is also put into context by inclusion of chapters on the treatment simulation process and treatment verification. Specialised and developing technology of interest such as dynamic collimation and electronic portal imaging are also described.
The book is written with the graduate physicist and medical physicist in mind. However, its presentation style is non-mathematical, so associated workers in radiation oncology such as radiotherapists and oncologists should not be daunted by this book. It is well written with helpful figures throughout. It offers good value for money, particularly being available in softcover. The authors are well known and respected physicists in the UK medical physics community.
The book, it should be stressed, is an introductory text and so some topics, such as multi-leaf collimation and electronic portal imaging, receive perhaps a slightly more brief mention than some might wish. The book also suffers a little from a lack of coverage of state-of-the-art techniques, such as dynamic multi-leaf collimation for intensity modulated radiotherapy.
This is one of only a handful of such texts on this topic. Overall, it represents a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the physics and engineering of linear accelerators and is recommended for the bookshelf of anyone involved in the technical aspects of radiation therapy with linacs.