Linear Accelerators for Radiation Therapy

General description of a linear accelerator and its component systems. Basic processes in electron acceleration - the accelerating waveguide. The microwave system and its high voltage supplies. The vacuum, cooling and ancillary systems. The electron beam (its production and transport). The treatment head. The dose monitoring and control system. Beam direction and beam shaping devices. Mechanical systems. Control and interlock systems. Treatment verification. Specification, performance and calibration. Radiation protection and room design. Accelerator operation. Simulators and tomographic scanners. Contemporary developments.