A Monte Carlo model for photoneutron generation by a medical LINAC

For an optimal tuning of the radiation protection planning, a Monte Carlo model using the MCNPX code has been built, allowing an accurate estimate of the spectrometric and geometrical characteristics of photoneutrons generated by a Varian TrueBeam Stx© medical linear accelerator. We considered in ou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Radiation physics and chemistry (Oxford, England : 1993) England : 1993), 2017-11, Vol.140, p.345-348
Main Authors: Sumini, M., Isolan, L., Cucchi, G., Sghedoni, R., Iori, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Building codes
Computer simulation
Dosimetry
Flattening filter
LINAC
Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo simulation
Neutrons
Photoneutron
Photoneutrons
Radiation protection
Radiation therapy
Sensitivity analysis
Spectrometry
Studies
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Summary:For an optimal tuning of the radiation protection planning, a Monte Carlo model using the MCNPX code has been built, allowing an accurate estimate of the spectrometric and geometrical characteristics of photoneutrons generated by a Varian TrueBeam Stx© medical linear accelerator. We considered in our study a device working at the reference energy for clinical applications of 15MV, stemmed from a Varian Clinac©2100 modeled starting from data collected thanks to several papers available in the literature. The model results were compared with neutron and photon dose measurements inside and outside the bunker hosting the accelerator obtaining a complete dose map. Normalized neutron fluences were tallied in different positions at the patient plane and at different depths. A sensitivity analysis with respect to the flattening filter material were performed to enlighten aspects that could influence the photoneutron production. •A Monte Carlo model of a medical LINAC and of the hosting bunker is presented.•The photoneutrons production is analysed.•The related radiation protection issues have been considered.
ISSN:0969-806X
1879-0895
DOI:10.1016/j.radphyschem.2017.01.016