W values of protons in alkane-based TE gases and dimethylether in the energy range 1-100 keV: measurements and additivity models

Abstract

W values of tissue-equivalent gases based on propane and butane were measured for protons in the energy range 1-100 keV and compared with those of dimethylether and water vapour. The experimental values of the tissue-equivalent gas mixtures were compared with data calculated from the W values of the mixture components using five existing additivity models and two new models derived within the scope of the present work. Apart from one model--the simplest one--all models show a good agreement with the experimental data.