Dead layer thickness characterization of an HPGe detector by measurements and Monte Carlo simulations

This work reports on the use of three state-of-the-art Monte Carlo codes (MCNPX, PENELOPE, FLUKA) in the efficiency calibration of a Broad-Energy Germanium (BEGe) detector. Initial discrepancies found between the experimental and computational efficiency values are related to the poor knowledge of some physical parameters of the detector (dead-layers, crystal dimensions, etc.). As a consequence, a sensitivity analysis was carried out. Each parameter was systematically analyzed, and an accurate model of the detector was determined. The obtained results are consistent, allowing this model to be used in computational efficiency calibrations of the equipment at stake.

Parameter optimization of a planar BEGe detector using Monte Carlo simulations

The TECHREC project, funded by the European Commission, will provide Technical Recommendations for Monitoring Individuals for Occupational Intakes of Radionuclides It is expected that the document will be published by the European Commission as a report in its Radiation Protection Series during 2016. The project is coordinated by the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) and is being carried out by members of EURADOS Working Group 7 (Internal Dosimetry). This paper describes the aims and purpose of the Technical Recommendations, and explains how the project is organised.

Technical recommendations for monitoring individuals for occupational intakes of radionuclides

Performance revaluation of a N-type coaxial HPGe detector with front edges crystal using MCNPX

This work aims to contribute to the study of the radiation dose distribution delivered to the hands of medical staff members during a general computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopic guided procedure. In this study, both Monte Carlo simulations and measurements were performed. For free-in-air and computed tomography dose index (CTDI) body phantom measurements, a standard pencil ionization chamber (IC) 100 mm long was used. The CT scanner model was implemented using MCNPX (Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended) and was successfully validated by comparing the simulated results with measurements. Subsequently, CT images of a hand, together with an anthropomorphic phantom, were voxelized and used with the MCNPX code for dose calculations. The hand dose distribution study was performed both by using thermo-luminescent detector measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. The validated simulation tool provides a new perspective for detailed investigations of CT-irradiation scenarios. Simulations show that there is a strong dose gradient, namely the even zones of the hand that are in precise vicinity to the x-ray beam only receive about 4% of the maximum dose delivered to adjacent areas which are directly exposed to the primary x-ray beam. Finally, the scatter contribution of the patient was also studied through MC simulations. The results show that for directly exposed parts of the hand surface, the dose is reduced by the body of the patient (due to the shielding), whereas the dose is increased by scattered radiation from the patient for parts of the skin that receive scattered radiation only.

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Medical staff extremity dosimetry in CT fluoroscopy: an anthropomorphic hand voxel phantom study

Characterisation, modelling and optimisation of the model of a HPGe detector with the aid of point sources

A goal of whole body counting (WBC) is the estimation of the total body burden of radionuclides disregarding the actual position within the body. To achieve the goal, the detectors need to be placed in regions where the photon flux is as independent as possible from the distribution of the source. At the same time, the detectors need high photon fluxes in order to achieve better efficiency and lower minimum detectable activities. This work presents a method able to define the layout of new WBC systems and to study the behaviour of existing ones using both detection efficiency and its dependence on the position of the source within the body of computational phantoms.

Theoretical assessment of whole body counting performances using numerical phantoms of different gender and sizes.

SUMMARY In this work, a new system with both whole-body and partialbody counting capabilities is developed, installed and tested with both sample and real contamination cases. The new system amends the old scintillators with new HPGe detectors, improving the attainable resolution and also allowing a broader range of measurements. The HPGe detectors are modeled with the aid of Monte Carlo software and the resulting models are used for computational calibrations and for the optimization of the counting setups. Software is also developed to handle the different steps of measurements.

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A New HPGe Detector Based Body Counter Capable of Detecting Also Low Energy Photon Emitters

— Voxel2MCNP is a program that sets up radiation protection scenarios with voxel models and generates corresponding input files for the Monte Carlo code MCNPX. Its technology is based on object-oriented programming, and the development is platform-independent. It has a user-friendly graphical interface including a two- and three-dimensional viewer. A row of equipment models is implemented in the program. Various voxel model file formats are supported. Applications include calculation of counting efficiency of in vivo measurement scenarios and calculation of dose coefficients for internal and external radiation scenarios. Moreover, anthropometric parameters of voxel models, for instance chest wall thickness, can be determined. Voxel2MCNP offers several methods for voxel model manipulations including image registration techniques. The authors demonstrate the validity of the program results and provide references for previous successful implementations. The authors illustrate the reliability of calculated dose conversion factors and specific absorbed fractions. Voxel2MCNP is used on a regular basis to generate virtual radiation protection scenarios at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology while further improvements and developments are ongoing.

Manfred Urban

Papers

Characterisation, modelling and optimisation of the model of a HPGe detector with the aid of point sources

Theoretical assessment of whole body counting performances using numerical phantoms of different gender and sizes.

A New HPGe Detector Based Body Counter Capable of Detecting Also Low Energy Photon Emitters

Voxel2MCNP: software for handling voxel models for Monte Carlo radiation transport calculations.

Comparison of stretched and sitting configurations for partial-body measurements