Low-energy and secondary (radioactive) ion-beam profile measurements and optimization using modified Gafchromic® EBT film

A modified version of Gafchromic® EBT radiochromic medical imaging film, which is light insensitive and requires no special development or processing, is shown to be useful for imaging low-energy (few MeV) ion beams and radioactive sources. It appears especially well suited for use with low-intensity short-lived (radioactive) secondary beams (RNB). The film can assist in optimizing the collimation needed to minimize unwanted background ions, and to accurately determine the ion-optical alignment of RNB production and transport systems. It allows for effective imaging of beam profiles and relative intensities throughout the beam-transport system and especially at locations not readily accessible to electronic imaging detectors. The special advantages of using the film for RNBs, which often are spatially extended and contaminated with unwanted ions, are demonstrated.