Gabriela Hoff

Photon Elastic Scattering Simulation: Validation and Improvements to Geant4

Several models for the simulation of photon elastic scattering are quantitatively evaluated with respect to a large collection of experimental data retrieved from the literature. They include models based on the form factor approximation, on S-matrix calculations and on analytical parameterizations; they exploit publicly available data libraries and tabulations of theoretical calculations. Some of these models are currently implemented in general purpose Monte Carlo systems; some have been implemented and evaluated for the first time in this paper for possible use in Monte Carlo particle transport. The analysis mainly concerns the energy range between 5 keV and a few MeV. The validation process identifies the newly implemented model based on second order S-matrix calculations as the one best reproducing experimental measurements. The validation results show that, along with Rayleigh scattering, additional processes, not yet implemented in Geant4 nor in other major Monte Carlo systems, should be taken into account to realistically describe photon elastic scattering with matter above 1 MeV. Evaluations of the computational performance of the various simulation algorithms are reported along with the analysis of their physics capabilities.

Validation of Geant4 Simulation of Electron Energy Deposition

Geant4-based simulations of the energy deposited by electrons in various materials are quantitatively compared to high-precision calorimetric measurements taken at Sandia Laboratories. The experimental data concern electron beams of energy between a few tens of kilolectron volt and 1 MeV at various incidence angles. Two experimental scenarios are evaluated: the longitudinal energy deposition pattern in a finely segmented detector, and the total energy deposited in a larger size calorimeter. The simulations are produced with Geant4 versions from 9.1 to 9.6; they involve models of electron-photon interactions in the standard and low energy electromagnetic packages, and various implementations of electron multiple scattering. Significant differences in compatibility with experimental data are observed in the longitudinal energy deposition patterns produced by the examined Geant4 versions, while the total deposited energy exhibits smaller variations across the various Geant4 versions, with the exception Geant4 9.4. The validation analysis, based on statistical methods, shows that the best compatibility between simulation and experimental energy deposition profiles is achieved using electromagnetic models based on the EEDL and EPDL evaluated data libraries with Geant4 9.1. The results document the accuracy achievable in the simulation of the energy deposited by low energy electrons with Geant4; they provide guidance for application in similar experimental scenarios and for improving Geant4.

Validation Test of Geant4 Simulation of Electron Backscattering

Backscattering is a sensitive probe of the accuracy of electron scattering algorithms implemented in Monte Carlo codes. The capability of the Geant4 toolkit to describe realistically the fraction of electrons backscattered from a target volume is extensively and quantitatively evaluated in comparison with experimental data retrieved from the literature. The validation test covers the energy range between approximately 100 eV and 20 MeV, and concerns a wide set of target elements. Multiple and single electron scattering models implemented in Geant4, as well as preassembled selections of physics models distributed within Geant4, are analyzed with statistical methods. The evaluations concern Geant4 versions from 9.1 to 10.1. Significant evolutions are observed over the range of Geant4 versions, not always in the direction of better compatibility with experiment. Goodness-of-fit tests complemented by categorical analysis tests identify a configuration based on Geant4 Urban multiple scattering model in Geant4 version 9.1 and a configuration based on single Coulomb scattering in Geant4 10.0 as the physics options best reproducing experimental data above a few tens of keV. At lower energies only single scattering demonstrates some capability to reproduce data down to a few keV. Recommended preassembled physics configurations appear incapable of describing electron backscattering compatible with experiment. With the support of statistical methods, a correlation is established between the validation of Geant4-based simulation of backscattering and of energy deposition.

Validation of Compton scattering Monte Carlo simulation models

Several models for the Monte Carlo simulation of Compton scattering on electrons are quantitatively evaluated with respect to a large collection of experimental data retrieved from the literature. Some of these models are currently implemented in general purpose Monte Carlo systems; some have been implemented and evaluated for possible use in Monte Carlo particle transport for the first time in this study. Here we present first and preliminary results concerning total and differential Compton scattering cross sections.

Avaliação dos diferentes métodos de medida de força de compressão em três equipamentos mamográficos diferentes

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intermethod agreement in the measurement of compression force as well as variations in the testing of different mammography systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten compression force measurements were performed for each proposed method on each mammography apparatus (Mammomat 3000-Siemens, Mammo Diagnostic UC-Philips and Alpha ST-GE), with an evaluation of the differences among the mammographic equipments as far as the application of such measurement methods is concerned, as well as the differences among the applied methods. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed among the results for the different systems and methods, and the values measured with the aid of a bathroom-scale-type dynamometer resulted in compression force underestimation. Each compression system presented different responses for the proposed methods. CONCLUSION: Differences were observed among compression systems and among proposed methods. Thus the choice of the way the compression test is performed is critical for the acceptance of the mammography equipment, the technical lead being the most competent to define the most appropriate and realistic testing method. It is suggested that the compression force measurement should be performed with an extension dynamometer, rather than with a compression dynamometer, in cases where the mammography compression system functioning is not known.

Investigation of Geant4 Simulation of Electron Backscattering

A test of Geant4 simulation of electron backscattering recently published in this journal prompted further investigation into the causes of the observed behaviour. An interplay between features of geometry and physics algorithms implemented in Geant4 is found to significantly affect the accuracy of backscattering simulation in some physics configurations.

Physics methods for the simulation of photoionisation

Several physics methods for the simulation of the photoelectric effect are quantitatively evaluated with respect to a large collection of experimental data retrieved from the literature. They include theoretical and empirical calculations of total and partial cross sections, and calculations of the photoelectron angular distribution. Some of these models are currently implemented in general purpose Monte Carlo systems; some have been implemented and evaluated for possible use in Monte Carlo particle transport for the first time in this study.

Transmission curves to primary beams to diagnostic radiology: a comparison among barite concrete, barite mortar and concrete

The ionizing radiation usage makes important to develop protection against the possible damaged caused to patients and exposure workers. That way we can optimize the benefits of this applied technique and minimize the risk. Different authors use to publish about the transmission curves as a function of shielding material thickness. However, they limit their data to few curves and do not cover all the options needed to get closer to the reality. As results we got transmission curves considering different spectra energy to concrete, barite concrete and barite mortar. The simulated data were organized in graphics built using Originreg software. These data was used to generate a data bank applied to diagnostic radiology shielding estimating, presenting curves of transmission as a function of shielding thickness and shielding thickness as a function of transmission. All simulations data variations and errors were considers a good approximations to this kind of application according the bibliography. We suggest new works considering another material used to build diagnostic radiological shielding in Brazil and different spectra energy applied to different diagnostic radiology area.

Refactoring, reengineering and evolution: paths to Geant4 uncertainty quantification and performance improvement

Ongoing investigations for the improvement of Geant4 accuracy and computational performance resulting by refactoring and reengineering parts of the code are discussed. Issues in refactoring that are specific to the domain of physics simulation are identified and their impact is elucidated. Preliminary quantitative results are reported.

Estimating Transmission Curves of Primary X-Ray Beams Used in Diagnostic Radiology

This paper shows the comparison among experimental, theoretical published data and data generated by the Geant4 toolkit to determine X-ray transmission curves in an energy range suitable for radiology as well a study of the influence of spectra and shielding composition on transmission data. The objectives of this work were: to compare the differences on transmission data considering different shielding material composition, to validate the application for Geant4 and to calculate transmission curves for new material based on the proposed methodology. Transmission curves and fitting equations for lead, concrete, barited concrete and barited mortar were obtained as a function of shielding thickness and X-ray polychromatic spectra. The simulated transmission curves for lead showed to be statistically the same when compared to published reference. Good agreement was calculated between the experimental data and the data simulated using Geant4. For the other composite materials no comparable reference data is available, but the spread in the transmission values is below 10% for the range of the thicknesses used in real shielding. The results showed that changes in composition for the studied materials can have some impact on the transmission data. The X-ray transmission was sensitive to changes in the incoming beam energy spectra for a fixed acceleration voltage. The simulation application developed in this work can be used, associated to a shielding composition elemental analysis, to customize transmission curves for different composite materials and X-ray spectra.