The angle between the central axes of two overlapping wedge beams is known as the _____

The angle between the central axes of two overlapping wedge beams is referred to as the hinge angle. This term is essential in radiation therapy, particularly when using wedges to shape the radiation distribution. The hinge angle helps in determining how the two wedge beams will combine and affect the dose distribution in the target area.

In the context of dosimetry, the hinge angle is critical for ensuring that the dosimetric characteristics of the treatment plan are optimized, allowing for effective delivery of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. By accurately measuring and applying the hinge angle, medical dosimetrists can ensure the correct overlap of wedges, which influences the resultant beam profiles and dose calculations.

The other terms, while related to radiation therapy and beam dynamics, do not specifically convey the relationship between the axes of two wedge beams. For instance, beam angle generally refers to the angle of the radiation beam relative to a reference, collimation angle pertains to the adjustment of collimators to shape the radiation field, and field angle describes the orientation of the radiation field concerning the patient or treatment area, none of which specifically captures the concept of the central axes of overlapping wedge beams as effectively as hinge angle does.