Simulation study on the behavior of X-rays and gamma rays in an inhomogeneous medium using the Monte Carlo technique

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Applied Physics 1989-06, Vol.28 (6), p.1072-1078
• Main Authors: MURASE, K, KATAOKA, M, KAWAMURA, M, TANADA, S, HAMAMOTO, K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Physics; X- and γ-ray instruments and techniques
• ISSN: 0021-4922; 1347-4065
• DOI: 10.1143/jjap.28.1072

A computer program based on the Monte Carlo technique was developed for the analysis of the behavior of X-rays and gamma rays in an inhomogeneous medium. The statistical weight of a photon was introduced and the survival biasing method was used for reducing the statistical error. This computer program has the mass energy absorption and attenuation coefficients for 69 tissues and organs as a database file, and can be applied to various cases of inhomogeneity. The simulation and experimental results of the central axis percent-depth dose in an inhomogeneous phantom were in good agreement. This computer program will be useful for analysis on the behavior of X-rays and gamma rays in an inhomogeneous medium consisting of various tissues and organs, not only in radiotherapy treatment planning but also in diagnostic radiology and in the field treating radiation protection.