title: Estimation of the quality factor on the basis of multi-event microdosimetric distributions.
abstract: The measurement of microdosimetric distributions for the purpose of estimating the quality factor, Q, may be encumbered in pulsed radiation fields--as produced, for instance, by accelerators with low duty cycle--because of a signal pile-up. We propose a method of estimating Q from the first several moments of multi-event distributions. In addition to overcoming the high dose-rate problems, the measurement of such distributions can be performed in significantly smaller volumes than conventional microdosimetry, thus raising the possibility of reducing the site diameter (presently 1 micron) for which y in the function Q(y) is specified.
authors.affiliation: Radiological Research Laboratories, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zaider
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Rossi
mesh_terms: D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011874:Radiometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014894:Weights and Measures