The use of the Monte Carlo technique in the simulation of small-scale dosimeters and microdosimeters

Baker, Adam Richard Ernest (2011). The use of the Monte Carlo technique in the simulation of small-scale dosimeters and microdosimeters. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Baker_11_PhD.pdf
PDF
Download (1MB)

Abstract

In order to understand the effects of low keV radiation upon small scales, a number of detector designs have been developed to investigate the ways energy is deposited. This
research was conducted in order to investigate a number of different detector designs, looking in particular at their properties as small scale dosimeters exposed to photon radiation with an energy of 5-50 keV. In addition to this, Monte Carlo models were constructed of the different
detector designs in order to ascertain the trends in energy absorption within the detectors.

An important part of the research was investigating the dose enhancement effects produced when the low Z elements present in human tissues are in proximity to higher Z metallic elements within this energy range. This included looking at dose enhancement due to the photoelectric effect, with a photon energy of 5-50 keV and through the absorption of thermal neutrons. The reason for studying the dose enhancement was twofold - looking at the increase
in energy absorption for elements that are currently being investigated for medical applications as well as elements that are present in dosemeters alongside the tissue equivalent elements.

By comparing the results produced using the Monte Carlo codes MCNP4C and EGSnrc, simulations were produced for a variety of different detector designs, both solid state and gasfilled. These models were then compared with experimental results and were found to be able to predict trends in the behaviour of some of the detector designs.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):