Elise M. Pogson

Stacked-and-drawn metamaterials with magnetic resonances in the terahertz range

We present a novel method for producing drawn metamaterials containing slotted metallic cylinder resonators, possessing strong magnetic resonances in the terahertz range. The resulting structures are either spooled to produce a 2-dimensional metamaterial monolayer, or stacked to produce three-dimensional multi-layered metamaterials. We experimentally investigate the effects of the resonator size and number of metamaterial layers on transmittance, observing magnetic resonances between 0.1 and 0.4 THz, in good agreement with simulations. Such fibers promise future applications in mass-produced stacked or woven metamaterials.

Fiber metamaterials with negative magnetic permeability in the terahertz

We present a novel method for producing metamaterials with a terahertz magnetic response via fiber drawing, which can be inexpensively scaled up to mass production. We draw a centimeter preform to fiber, spool it, and partially sputter it with metal to produce extended slotted resonators. We characterize metamaterial fiber arrays with different orientations via terahertz time domain spectroscopy, observing distinct magnetic resonances between 0.3 and 0.4 THz, in excellent agreement with simulations. Numerical parameters retrieval techniques confirm that such metamaterials possess negative magnetic permeability. Combined with fiber-based negative permittivity materials, this will enable the development of the first woven negative index materials, as well as the fabrication of magnetic surface plasmon waveguides and subwavelength waveguides.

Spatial dispersion in three-dimensional drawn magnetic metamaterials

We characterize spatial dispersion in longitudinally invariant drawn metamaterials with a magnetic response at terahertz frequencies, whereby a change in the angle of the incident field produces a shift in the resonant frequency. We present a simple analytical model to predict this shift. We also demonstrate that the spatial dispersion is eliminated by breaking the longitudinal invariance using laser ablation. The experimental results are in agreement with numerical simulations.

Australian survey on current practices for breast radiotherapy

Detailed, published surveys specific to Australian breast radiotherapy practice were last conducted in 2002. More recent international surveys specific to breast radiotherapy practice include a European survey conducted in 2008/2009 and a Spanish survey conducted in 2009. Radiotherapy techniques continue to evolve, and the utilisation of new techniques, such as intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), is increasing. This survey aimed to determine current breast radiotherapy practices across Australia.

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy of nematic liquid crystals

Liquid crystals are candidate materials for optical devices operating in the Terahertz (THz) frequency region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Proposed devices include THz phase shifters and THz quarter wave plates. To assist in designing for these applications, the fundamental properties of the materials should be determined. Fundamental optical properties to be determined over the frequency range of interest are the refractive index n and the absorption coefficient α. According to the orientation of the liquid crystals relative to the polarisation of the light field, ordinary and extraordinary values for the refractive index may be distinguished. In early work, employing time-domain spectroscopy, a rise in both no and ne with optical frequency in the THz region was reported. Later work, employing two-colour generation of THz radiation, indicated the values of no and ne were both relatively constant in the THz region. We have now made measurements of the two common nematic liquid crystals K15 and E7 using time-domain THz spectroscopy and confirm that no and ne show little change over the spectral region 0.15 to 1 THz.

MRI geometric distortion: Impact on tangential whole-breast IMRT

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) geometric distortions when using MRI for target delineation and planning for whole‐breast, intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Residual system distortions and combined systematic and patient‐induced distortions are considered. This retrospective study investigated 18 patients who underwent whole‐breast external beam radiotherapy, where both CT and MRIs were acquired for treatment planning. Distortion phantoms were imaged on two MRI systems, dedicated to radiotherapy planning (a wide, closed‐bore 3T and an open‐bore 1T). Patient scans were acquired on the 3T system. To simulate MRI‐based planning, distortion maps representing residual system distortions were generated via deformable registration between phantom CT and MRIs. Patient CT images and structures were altered to match the residual system distortion measured by the phantoms on each scanner. The patient CTs were also registered to the corresponding patient MRI scans, to assess patient and residual system effects. Tangential IMRT plans were generated and optimized on each resulting CT dataset, then propagated to the original patient CT space. The resulting dose distributions were then evaluated with respect to the standard clinically acceptable DVH and visual assessment criteria. Maximum residual systematic distortion was measured to be 7.9 mm (95%<4.7mm) and 11.9 mm (95%<4.6mm) for the 3T and 1T scanners, respectively, which did not result in clinically unacceptable plans. Eight of the plans accounting for patient and systematic distortions were deemed clinically unacceptable when assessed on the original CT. For these plans, the mean difference in PTV V95 (volume receiving 95% prescription dose) was 0.13±2.51% and −0.73±1.93% for right‐ and left‐sided patients, respectively. Residual system distortions alone had minimal impact on the dosimetry for the two scanners investigated. The combination of MRI systematic and patient‐related distortions can result in unacceptable dosimetry for whole‐breast IMRT, a potential issue when considering MRI‐only radiotherapy treatment planning. PACS number(s): 87.61.‐c, 87.57.cp, 87.57.nj, 87.55.D‐

A phantom assessment of achievable contouring concordance across multiple treatment planning systems

In this paper, the highest level of inter- and intra-observer conformity achievable with different treatment planning systems (TPSs), contouring tools, shapes, and sites have been established for metrics including the Dice similarity coefficient (DICE) and Hausdorff Distance. High conformity values, e.g. DICE(Breast_Shape)=0.99±0.01, were achieved. Decreasing image resolution decreased contouring conformity.

Pre-treatment verification of lung SBRT VMAT plans with delivery errors: Toward a better understanding of the gamma index analysis

PURPOSE To study the sensitivity of the ArcCHECK in detecting delivery errors for lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) using the Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) technique and to evaluate the sensitivity of eight global and local gamma tolerances with different cut-off percentages. METHODS Baseline VMAT plans were generated for 15 lung SBRT patients. We delivered the smallest errors(gantry, collimator, and multileaf collimator MLC) which had ≥ ±2% dose difference in the modified treatment plans compared to the baseline plan (the clinical significance of those errors were assessed in our previous study. A total of 100 plan in which 15 baseline plans were measured using the ArcCheck detector along with ion chamber measurements. The sensitivity of the global and local gamma-index method using criteria of 1%/1 mm, 2%/1 mm, 2%/2 mm, and 3%/3 mm was investigated. RESULTS The gamma (γ) pass rates for these plans exhibited considerable spread. The majority of simulated errors were not detected. Broadly similar detection levels were achieved with the different gamma criteria and cut-offs. Combining ion chamber measurements with ArcCHECK did not improve error detection. CONCLUSIONS Commonly adopted gamma criteria are not sensitive enough to validate lung SBRT VMAT plans at the 2% dose difference level. The error detection levels are fairly consistent despite changes in gamma criteria and cut-offs. The choice of gamma criteria was not significant and there was no clear benefit in tightening the gamma criteria.

A comparison of coordinate systems for use in determining a radiotherapy delineation margin for whole breast

Cartesian co-ordinates, traditionally used for radiotherapy margins, calculated at 6 points, may not adequately represent changes in inter-observer contour variation as necessary to define a delineation margin. As a first step, this study compared the standard deviation (SD) in contour delineation using Polar and Cartesian co-ordinates for whole breast. Whole breast Clinical Target Volumes (CTV) were delineated by eight observers for 9 patients. The SD of contour position was determined for Polar co-ordinates at 1° increments for 5 slices and averaged across all patients. The mean centre of mass (COM) was used as the origin for the right breast, for the left the COM was shifted 1cm superiorly to avoid clipping. The SD was determined for Cartesian co-ordinates for medial-lateral and anterior-posterior positions. At slice Z=0cm considering Polar co-ordinates, the SD peaked medially reaching 3.55cm at 15° for the right breast, and 1.44cm at 171° for the left. The SD of the remaining slices maintained a similar distribution, with variation in the peak occurring within 10° of the Z=0cm positions. By comparison, for Cartesian co-ordinates at slice Z=0cm, the largest SD in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions was 0.54/0.57cm and 1.03/0.67cm respectively for right/left breasts. The SD for inter-observer variation for whole breast varies with anatomical position. The maximum SD determined with Polar co-ordinates was greater than with Cartesian co- ordinates. A delineation margin may thus need to vary with angle over the entire structure and Cartesian co-ordinates may not be the best approach for margin determination for whole breast.

The impact of imaging modality (CT vs MRI) and patient position (supine vs prone) on tangential whole breast radiation therapy planning

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) versus computed tomography (CT)-derived planning target volumes (PTVs), in both supine and prone positions, for whole breast (WB) radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS Four WB radiation therapy plans were generated for 28 patients in which PTVs were generated based on CT or MRI data alone in both supine and prone positions. A 6-MV tangential intensity modulated radiation therapy technique was used, with plans designated as ideal, acceptable, or noncompliant. Dose metrics for PTVs and organs at risk were compared to analyze any differences based on imaging modality (CT vs MRI) or patient position (supine vs prone). RESULTS With respect to imaging modality 2/11 whole breast planning target volume (WB_PTV) dose metrics (percentage of PTV receiving 90% and 110% of prescribed dose) displayed statistically significant differences; however, these differences did not alter the average plan compliance rank. With respect to patient positioning, the odds of having an ideal plan versus a noncompliant plan were higher for the supine position compared with the prone position (P = .026). The minimum distance between the seroma cavity planning target volume (SC_PTV) and the chest wall was increased with prone positioning (P < .001, supine and prone values 1.1 mm and 8.7 mm, respectively). Heart volume was greater in the supine position (P = .005). Heart doses were lower in the supine position than prone (P < .01, mean doses 3.4 ± 1.55 Gy vs 4.4 ± 1.13 Gy for supine vs prone, respectively). Mean lung doses met ideal dose constraints in both positions, but were best spared in the prone position. The contralateral breast maximum dose to 1cc (D1cc) showed significantly lower doses in the supine position (P < .001, 4.64 Gy vs 9.51 Gy). CONCLUSIONS Planning with PTVs generated from MRI data showed no clinically significant differences from planning with PTVs generated from CT with respect to PTV and doses to organs at risk. Prone positioning within this study reduced mean lung dose and whole heart volumes but increased mean heart and contralateral breast doses compared with supine.