What materials are generally used to make compensators?

Compensators are used in radiation therapy to adjust the dose distribution in order to account for variations in patient anatomy or treatment geometry. The most suitable materials for fabricating compensators should have specific properties, such as high atomic number and density to absorb radiation effectively, which lead to better control of the radiation dose.

Aluminum, brass, and lead are common choices for compensator materials because they provide adequate radiation attenuation. Lead, in particular, is widely recognized for its high density and effective shielding capabilities. These materials allow dosimetrists to design compensators that can precisely shape the radiation beam, ensuring that the target volume receives the intended dose while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.

The other materials mentioned, such as plastic and glass, wood, polystyrene, or copper and graphite, do not offer the same level of attenuation or may not be as effective in achieving the desired radiation dose distribution necessary for successful treatment outcomes. Therefore, the combination of aluminum, brass, and lead stands out as the most effective choice for constructing compensators in medical dosimetry.