Absorbed dose equations : The general solution of the absorbed dose equation and solutions under different kinds of radiation equilibrium

• This report is a logical continuation of two papers concerning basic concepts in dosimetry. The first paper (1) is u critical analysis of the concepts of ionizing radiation and energy imparted as defined by the ICRU (2). The second paper (3) gives a definition of the energy imparted, the fundamental quantity in radiation dosimetry, which is equivalent to that given by the ICRU but which has a different form. This alternative definition of the energy imparted is suitable in deriving a general expression, in terms of particle fluences and interaction cross sections, for the absorbed dose valid also in situations where no kind of radiation equilibrium is established. It is, however, today not possible to quantify this expression for the absorbed dose. All practical calculations of absorbed dose rely on the assumption of one or another type of radiation equilibrium. The aim of this work is to analyze different kinds of radiation equilibrium conditions and to find the corresponding exact expressions for the absorbed dose. The concept of radiation equilibrium is more carefully analyzed than has been done previously (4, 5, 6). Moreover, the definition of the mass energy absorption coefficient for indirectly (uncharged) ionizing particles is critically analyzed. A new definition is proposed relevant to calculations of the absorbed dose in cases when charged particle equilibrium exists within a homogeneous medium due to the uniform liberation of charged particles, by uncharged particles.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Radiologi och bildbehandling (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Radiological physics

Radiofysik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

rap (ämneskategori)