STARCHECK

High-Resolution Array Detectors for Fast, Comprehensive Linac QA

STARCHECK is a precise and reliable tool for fast, comprehensive measurements in radiation therapy beams as required by standard guidelines, e.g., AAPM TG-142. Typical applications are quality control and linac beam adjustment measurements with the detector panel embedded in a solid-state phantom. The ionization chambers feature excellent relative response stability, eliminating the need for frequent recalibration. A full set of four profiles is measured in real-time, making STARCHECK useful for start-up behavior checks of the linac. Additional detectors distributed along the array’s side axis enable accurate checks of MLC leaf positions. An MR-compatible version is awailable for MRgRT QA mesurements.

Key Features

Array detector with 707 ionization chambers (STARCHECK maxi) and 527 ionization chambers (STARCHECK)
Fast, precise real-time beam scanning without water tank measurement
High resolution of 3 mm on the main axes and diagonals
Detector size: 0.05 cm³
Large field size coverage: 26 cm x 26 cm (STARCHECK), 40 cm x 40 cm (STARCHECK maxi)

Gold standard ionization chambers – no need for frequent recalibration
Expert analysis tools, e.g. profile comparison, protocol-based analysis, movie mode
Fully integrated with Track-it for automated reporting
Reproducible, quick and easy positioning of the STARCHECK with the Couchfix Positioning Tool
Compatible version for MR linacs available

Why You Should Use STARCHECK Systems for Linac QA

Time-saving workflow for real-time beam scanning

Water tank measurements can be very time-consuming, especially if only the constancy of the linac parameters needs to be checked. STARCHECK is the appropriate detector to accelerate this workflow.

For profile measurements, STARCHECK is simply put on the treatment couch without any additional preparation. With its high resolution of 3 mm on the main axes and diagonals, STARCHECK delivers results comparable to water tank measurements significantly faster.

High-resolution measurements with STARCHECK and STARCHECK maxi

Large field size coverage

STARCHECK and STARCHECK maxi ensure precise, high-resolution measurements for different field sizes. The STARCHECK array detector is suitable for field sizes up to 26 cm x 26 cm and with a rotation of 45°, it can also be used for a field length larger than 36 cm.

With a maximum field size of 40 cm x 40 cm, STARCHECK maxi meets most quality assurance requirements. If it is necessary to measure longer fields, the diagonal enables precise profile measurements up to a length of 56 cm.

Download Application Note

Supports a wide range of TG-142 tests

Combine your STARCHECK and STARCHECK maxi with the BQ-CHECK and FIELDCHECK phantoms to extend testing capabilities.

With two aluminium wedges and a single copper wedge, the BQ-CHECK phantom can be used for constancy checks of photon and electron beam energies. Put on top of the STARCHECK array, BQ-CHECK allows checking profiles and energy constancy with a single measurement. The FIELDCHECK phantom is a geometric phantom with four moveable sliders used for the verification of the light and radiation field coincidence without films.

Both phantoms are supported by the MultiCheck software. In addition to beam energy constancy and light and radiation field coincidence checks, MultiCheck supports a wide range of AAPM TG-142 tests such as output constancy, beam profile constancy, check of wedge angles, MLC alignment.

Combine your STARCHECK and STARCHECK maxi with the BQ-CHECK and FIELDCHECK phantoms to extend testing capabilities

PTW BEAMSCAN Software 4.5: your workflow in mind

Track, trend and report QA results

Export your analyzed beam data to Track-it for trending and reporting your QA results. Combined with BeamAdjust or MultiCheck software, the easy-to-use Track-it QA data management platform provides you with a streamlined solution from scanning to reporting.

Key reporting tools at a glance

Quick browser-based access to all QA data from anywhere in your network
Automated monitoring of QA tasks and reports on a single platform
User-definable protocols for site-specific needs
Online or offline QA report generation
Trend analysis over time and across multiple measurements or treatment devices

STARCHECK maxi MR

Comprehensive machine QA for MR-linacs with one single device

Experience the efficiency and versatility of STARCHECK maxi MR, a flat-panel ionization array chamber that’s easy to set up on the treatment couch. With just one shot, it delivers all relevant beam data for radiation fields up to 40 cm x 40 cm. This eliminates the need for a 3D water phantom in daily routines or after service and repair. Choose STARCHECK maxi MR for a streamlined approach to radiation therapy.

Key Features

The only array detector to measure radiation fields up to 40 cm x 40 cm
Fast acquisition of all relevant beam parameters in one single measurement
Real-time display of beam profiles and analysis results for consistency checks and beam steering
Highest spatial resolution (3 mm) for outstanding accuracy in all field regions, including the penumbra

Optimal detector layout and density for QA measurements –
707 air-vented ionization chambers arranged in a star pattern
Gold standard ionization chambers – no need for frequent recalibration
Expert analysis tools, e.g., profile comparison, protocol-based analysis, movie mode
Fully integrated with Track-it for automated reporting

Linac QA Using STARCHECK

How can I use the STARCHECK detector for linac QA? How are measurements performed? Which software do I use for my measurements? How can I export my data to Track-it? Watch this practical step-by-step video that guides you through the entire workflow.

Technical Specifications

STARCHECK systems include the following components:

STARCHECK detector
- STARCHECK with 527 vented ionization chambers
- STARCHECK maxi with 707 vented ionization chambers
- STARCHECK maxi MR with 707 vented ionization chambers

The array includes a detector interface for power supply and data transfer.

MultiCheck software
Advanced software platform for constancy checks on medical linear accelerators performed with STARCHECK or OCTAVIUS detectors.
BeamAdjust software
Intuitive, versatile QA software for real-time beam profile visualization with STARCHECK or OCTAVIUS detectors.

BQ-CHECK phantom
Test object for constancy checks of photon and electron beam qualities using STARCHECK, OCTAVIUS Detector 729 or OCTAVIUS Detector 1500
FIELDCHECK phantom
Test object for light field and radiation field checks at linear accelerators. The FIELDCHECK phantom can be used with STARCHECK.
Universal Gantry Mount
Linac-specific gantry holding device designed to keep PTW ionization chamber arrays secure at isocenter at any gantry position

Detector type	Plane-parallel vented ionization chambers
Number of detectors	527 83 measurement points per main axis 109 measurement points per diagonal axis 2 x 53 measurement points for MLC check 40 measurement points for checking the radiation field size
Detector size	0.05 cm³
Detector spacing	3.0 mm, 5.0mm for the MLC chambers
Field size	26 x 26 cm²
Scanning range	25.2 cm along the main axes, 34.5 cm along the diagonal
Max. measurement points	2916 (four merged measurements)
Reproducibility	≤± 0.5%
Dead time	Zero
Repetition rate	200 ms
Measured quantities	Absorbed dose to water (Gy), Absorbed dose rate to water (Gy/min)
Resolution	Dose: 0.1 mGy, Dose rate: 0.1 mGy/min
Measurement range	0.05 ... 80 Gy/min
Reference point	8.5 mm below the surface of the array
Dimensions	42 cm x 30 cm x 2.2 cm
Weight	5.5 kg
Power supply	(100 ... 240) VAC; (50 ... 60) Hz
PC connection	Ethernet

Detector type	Plane-parallel vented ionization chambers
Number of detectors	707 141 and 139 measurement points on the main axes 191 measurement points per diagonal axis 48 measurement points for checking the radiation field size
Detector size	0.05 cm³
Detector spacing	3.0 mm
Field size	40 x 40 cm²
Scanning range	40 cm along the main axes, 56.5 cm along the diagonal
Max. measurement points	2916 (four merged measurements)
Reproducibility	≤± 0.5%
Dead time	Zero
Repetition rate	200 ms
Measured quantities	Absorbed dose to water (Gy),Absorbed dose rate to water (Gy/min)
Resolution	Dose: 0.1 mGy, Dose rate: 0.1 mGy/min
Measurement range	0.05 ... 80 Gy/min
Reference point	8.5 mm below the surface of the array
Dimensions	74.0 cm x 46.5 cm x 3.0 cm
Weight	17.7 kg
Power supply	(100 ... 240) VAC; (50 ... 60) Hz
PC connection	Ethernet

Detector type	Plane-parallel vented ionization chambers
Number of detectors	707 141 and 139 measurement points on the main axes 191 measurement points per diagonal axis 48 measurement points for checking the radiation field size
Detector size	0.05 cm³
Detector spacing	3.0 mm
Field size	40 x 40 cm²
Scanning range	40 cm along the main axes, 56.5 cm along the diagonal
Max. measurement points	2916 (four merged measurements)
Reproducibility	≤± 0.5%
Dead time	zero
Repetition rate	200 ms
Measured quantities	Absorbed dose to water (Gy),Absorbed dose rate to water (Gy/min)
Resolution	Dose: 0.1 mGy, Dose rate: 0.1 mGy/min
Measurement range	0.05 ... 80 Gy/min
Reference point	8.5 mm below the surface of the array
Dimensions	74.0 cm x 46.5 cm x 3.0 cm
Weight	17.7 kg
Power supply	(100 ... 240) VAC; (50 ... 60) Hz
PC connection	Ethernet

Operating system:	Microsoft^® Windows^®(Windows 7 Professional x32/x64,Windows 8 Professional x32/x64,Windows 10 Pro x32/x64)
Processor:	multi-core processor, 2.3 GHz or better
Memory (RAM):	min. 4 GB, 8 GB recommended
Hard disk:	min. 500 MB of free space for application software and 1.5 GB of free space for .NET Framework 2.0, 3.5 and 4.0+
Screen resolution:	1280 x 1024 or higher
Interfaces:	Network interface
Other:	Windows^® Internet Explorer^® 8.0 or higher, Adobe^® Reader^® 7.0 or higher

Operating system:	Microsoft^® Windows^®(Windows 7 Professional x32/x64,Windows 8 Professional x32/x64,Windows 10 Pro x32/x64)
Processor:	multi-core processor, 2.3 GHz or better
Memory (RAM):	min. 4 GB, 8 GB recommended
Hard disk:	min. 500 MB of free space for application software and 1.5 GB of free space for .NET Framework 2.0, 3.5 and 4.0+
Screen resolution:	1280 x 1024 or higher
Interfaces:	Network interface
Other:	Windows^® Internet Explorer^® 8.0 or higher, Adobe^® Reader^® 7.0 or higher