Neutron quality parameters versus energy below 4 MeV from microdosimetric calculations.
Charged-particle production by neutrons and the resulting energy-deposition spectra in micron-sized spheres of tissue of varying diameters were calculated from thermal energies to 4 MeV. These data were used to obtain dose-average values of several quality-indicating parameters as functions of neutron energy and of tissue sphere diameter. The contrast among the parameters is shown and discussed. Applications are made to two neutron spectra, one a fission spectrum in air and the other a moderated spectrum at the center of an irradiated cube of water.
D004735:Energy Transfer; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005214:Fast Neutrons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009502:Neutrons; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000592:standards*; D011874:Radiometry