[en] The Microball, a compact, 4π charged-particle detector array, has been used in conjunction with Gammasphere for numerous physics experiments, and more are planned in the near future. A summary of this research program is presented, and the device and its capabilities are described. An example of its use in the study of the population and entry state excitation energy distributions of normal and superdeformed bands in ⁸²Sr is presented

[en] The effects introduced by 4π charged-particle detector arrays such as the Microball on lifetime measurements by Doppler-shift attenuation techniques are discussed. The effect originates from the lower efficiency for detecting charged particles at backward angles. Procedures for correcting for such 'bias' are described

[en] Six SD bands were populated in ¹⁴³Eu and ¹⁴⁴Eu, two of which had not been previously observed. Sum spectra were generated to search for two step links from the yrast SD band in ¹⁴³Eu. However, no two step links were found. A single link from the SD band in ¹⁴³Eu was found at 3364 keV. The level where it feeds into has not been identified. Alpha-particle energy (E_α) spectra leading to the SD band and to normal states in ¹⁴³Eu were measured and a correlation was found between E_α and the level spin of the residual nucleus

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[en] Purpose: Flexible Freiburg flap used with high dose rate afterloaders is easy to cut into any size for any body site and to dwell with a precise source position, conforms to curved skin surface and then to the planned target. However, unlike intracavity or interstitial situations, incomplete scatter environment due to flap applicators exposed to air might lead to dose difference between the delivered and planned. This research is focused on the dose deviation of incomplete scatter versus full scatter. Methods: A 12x12 cm of Freiburg flap applicator was used for the validation. A Nucletron Oncentra Brachy Ver. 4.3 treatment planning system (TPS) was used for treatment planning. However, no heterogeneity correction incorporated into the brachytherap TPS needs to be considered. A Philips Brilliance CT Big Bore was employed for CT scan. Radiation was delivered using a Nucletron HDR remote afterloader system. A 10cm bolus was used to cover the flap for obtaining a full scatter. An OSL, ion chamber, and Gafchromic EBT2 film were used for commissioning the flap applicator. Results: The applicator calibration at 5mm depth was performed using an OSL dosimeter. Applicator source dwelling positions with 1D and 2D array exposed to and recorded by Gafchromic EBT2 film showed an agreement within 1mm. 1D array of Freiburg flap exhibited 4.2% cooler in dose with incomplete scatter than full scatter. 2D array showed 7.1% lower in dose for incomplete scatter than full scatter. The deviation was found more than 10% beyond 8cm in depth. Conclusion: Significant dose deviation caused by the incomplete scatter environment was found to be 7.1% at 1cm depth. This deviation was increased with increasing depth. The inaccuracy resulted from the incomplete scatter can be fixed by either placing a bolus on the top of the flap or making the plan at least 7% hotter

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[en] High-spin states in ⁸⁵Nb were studied using the GAMMASPHERE Ge detector array and the MICROBALL charged-particle detector system. Three γ-ray cascades with collective rotational characteristics were observed. One of the bands exhibits a forking at the top, most likely reflecting the termination of one branch into a favoured non-collective, near spherical state. The data are interpreted in terms of cranked Strutinsky-type calculations

[en] Purpose: It is common to use posterior oblique beams in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for regular and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Beam attenuation by the treatment couch is not negligible when the couch is in the beam portal. In this study, we have correlated relative dose versus beam angle through a MapCheck 2TM diode array and an ionization chamber measurement. Methods: A Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator equipped with the image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) carbon fiber couch was used for delivery of radiation with different photon energies of 6MV, 15MV and 6MV FFF. A MapCHECK 2TM diode array with a MapPhan was employed for the measurement at three field sizes (3 by 3, 5 by 5, and 10 by 10 cm). The independent measurement was performed with an ionization chamber placed at the center of an acrylic cylindrical phantom at the isocenter. The measured data with the MapCHECK 2TM diode array were averaged over the central 2×2 cm diodes for each measurement. The couch attenuation was deduced from the angular dependence with and without the couch involvement. Results: For the MapCHECK 2TM with MapPhan used only the obvious attenuation was observed at the beam angle between 5 and 10 degree from the angular dependence using a 6MV photon beam. The similar Result was obtained for the MapCHECK 2TM /MapPhan with the couch involvement. The couch attenuation was then deduced from the difference of these two sets of data measurements. Maximum couch attenuation was found up to 4.2% which was verified with the ion chamber measurement. Conclusion: A maximum attenuation of 4.2% was found for the carbon fiber couch top using the MapCHECK 2TM/MapPhan, which is consistent with the ion chamber measurement

No abstract available