title: Microdosimetry: Principles and applications.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to present the most important aspects of Microdosimetry, a research field in radiation biophysics.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  microdosimetry is the branch of radiation biophysics that systematically studies the spatial, temporal and spectral aspects of the stochastic nature of the energy deposition processes in microscopic structures.
  
  
  METHODS
  we briefly review its history, the people, the formalism and the theories and devices that allowed researchers to begin to understand the true nature of radiation action on living matter.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  we outline some of its applications, especially to Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, attempting to explain the biological effectiveness of the boron thermal neutron capture reaction.
authors.affiliation: Departamento Coordinación BNCT, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Argentina.
authors.forename: Gustavo A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Santa Cruz
keywords: BNCT; Dual Radiation Action; Ionizing Radiation; Microdosimetry