PNNL

Abstract

In the PENELOPE code system, ?hard? electron and positron interactions are simulated in a detailed way while ?soft? interactions are treated using multiple scattering theory. Using this mixed simulation algorithm, electrons and positrons can be transported down to energies as low as 100 eV. The ability to transport electrons and positrons to such low energies opens up the possibility of using a general purpose Monte Carlo code system for microdosimetry. This article presents the results of a code intercomparison study designed to test the applicability of the PENELOPE code system for microdosimetry applications. Although event-by-event Monte Carlo will continue to be the method of choice for microdosimetry, PENELOPE is a useful, computationally efficient tool for some classes of microdosimetry problem. PENELOPE may prove particularly useful for applications that involve radiation transport through materials other than water or for applications that are too computation intensive for event-by-event Monte Carlo, such as in vivo microdosimetry of spatially complex distributions of radioisotopes inside the human body.