ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some of the physical characteristics of radiochromic films (RCFs). It provides an overview of some of the main principles and properties of film for imaging and dosimetry purposes. RCFs have a unique measurement niche in radiotherapy and diagnostic dosimetry due to their low-energy dependence, high spatial resolution, and automatic coloration properties. The materials in RCFs that are responsible for the coloration are known as crystalline polyacetylenes, in particular diacetylenes, and upon thermal annealing or radiation exposure, they undergo polymerization, turning blue or red depending on their specific composition. When N. V. Klassen et al. reported on the effect of polarized light on the reading results of radiochromic film, they concluded that some layers of MD-55-2 film act as polarizers. The preferred method of cutting General Aniline & Film (GAF) chromic film products is the use of clean sharp scissors. GAF chromic emulsions turn into milky color when wet, but when dried, the clear color is mostly restored.
