Relating the Gamma Constant to the absorbed dose

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of the gamma constant to calculate the absorbed dose from a point source of photons. Participants explore theoretical approaches, references, and specific calculations related to radiation dose assessment, particularly in the context of validating simulation results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire whether the gamma constant can be used to find the absorbed dose for a point source of photons.
  • One participant references a document suggesting that the gamma constant can be used to calculate exposure rate and subsequently dose rate.
  • Another participant mentions using Turner's "Atoms, Radiation and Radiation Protection" to calculate dose per activity (Gy/Bq/hr) and expresses the need for the gamma constant to ensure unit consistency.
  • A participant introduces the concept of fluence and dose factor, providing a formula involving fluence and a conversion fluence dose factor.
  • There is a question about the mass attenuation coefficient and its relation to the dose calculation.
  • One participant seeks clarification on the units of the conversion fluence dose factor, which is noted to be defined in the ICRP.
  • Suggestions are made to consult ICRP Publication 119 and to use software like RadMap for cross-checking results.
  • Participants discuss the specifics of the MCNP simulation, with one confirming they are validating a dose calculation for a brachytherapy source against the TG-43 protocol.
  • It is noted that the TG-43 report has been updated to AAPM Report #84, with a recommendation to review it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the use of the gamma constant and related factors for dose calculations, with no clear consensus reached on the best approach or methodology. Multiple competing views and references are presented, indicating ongoing exploration and debate.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific documents and publications, but there are uncertainties regarding the definitions and applications of terms like the gamma constant and conversion fluence dose factor. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions related to dose calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals involved in radiation physics, medical physics, or those working with radiation dose calculations in various applications, particularly in the context of simulations and experimental validations.

khary23
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It is unclear from my text. Can you use the gamma constant to find the absorbed dose for a point source of photons?
 
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khary23 said:
It is unclear from my text. Can you use the gamma constant to find the absorbed dose for a point source of photons?
What text is one using? What is the context?

According to this document - https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1122/ML11229A688.pdf (see slides 15-33) - one can use a gamma constant, Γ, to calculate exposure rate dX/dt and exposure, X, and subsequently dose rate, dD/dt and dose, D.
 
I am using Turner's Atoms, Radiation and radiation protection.
I want to calculate the dose per activity (Gy/Bq/hr) of a point source of photons to theoretically check an MCNP result. The only way I could see to do it so that the units work, with the exception of the m^2, is with the gamma constant.
 
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Are you referring to the mass attenuation coefficient?
 
no,
with H/phi factor,
with mass attenuation it is :
K (mGy/h)=5.74e-4*(mu/rho)*phi*E
same reference
 
I have not heard of the dose factor, but will look it up. What are its units?

Also edited my original post to clarify what I am doing.
 
Last edited:
the conversion fluence dose factor is in pSv.cm2
I Don't know "
gamma constant " but the "
conversion fluence dose factor" is defined in the ICRP
 
Yes, Use ICRP PUBLICATION 119.
For extra safety you can use another software like RadMap (radmap.tech) to cross check your result. It has a nice gui with a Geant4 backend and you can get a time limited free license.
 
  • #10
I assume that you want to calculate the dose in tissue due to a source within the tissue.
khary23 said:
I want to calculate the dose per activity (Gy/Bq/hr) of a point source of photons to theoretically check an MCNP result.
What MCNP result do you want to check. Your own simulation or another? Can you be more specific?
 
  • #11
KlasM said:
Yes, Use ICRP PUBLICATION 119.
For extra safety you can use another software like RadMap (radmap.tech) to cross check your result. It has a nice gui with a Geant4 backend and you can get a time limited free license.

Thank you for the suggestion. I will check it out!
 
  • #12
gleem said:
I assume that you want to calculate the dose in tissue due to a source within the tissue.

What MCNP result do you want to check. Your own simulation or another? Can you be more specific?

My own simulation. I am calculating the dose to water for a brachytherapy source to validate that it conforms to the TG-43 protocol.
 
  • #13
For your information the TG-43 report has been updated to the AAPM Report #84. I recommend you check it out.
 

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