Theoretical cross sections for electron collisions in water: structure of electron tracks

Phys Med Biol. 2003 Jul 21;48(14):2147-68. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/48/14/308.

Abstract

To understand what happens when biological matter is irradiated needs a detailed knowledge of the microscopic distribution of interactions and especially of the energy deposited in irradiated matter. Monte Carlo event-by-event simulations are particularly suitable for this task. However, the development of these track-structure codes necessitates accurate interaction cross sections for all the electronic processes: ionization, excitation and elastic scattering. In these conditions, we have recently developed a Monte Carlo code for electrons in water, this latter being commonly used to simulate the biological medium. All the electronic processes are studied in detail via theoretical differential and total cross-section calculations. The purpose of this work is to make an inter-comparison of our cross sections with those used in the electron track-structure codes developed in the literature, and to compare macroscopic quantities such as stopping powers and mean energy transfer distributions to available experimental data and/or to theoretical predictions in liquid water.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Body Water / chemistry
  • Body Water / radiation effects*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Electrons*
  • Linear Energy Transfer*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Models, Statistical
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiometry / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Scattering, Radiation*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Water