Calculation of gamma-ray buildup factors for some medical materials

Abstract

In recent years, novel materials with protective qualities against ionizing radiation have been discovered. Important concepts include the continued use of X-rays for diagnosis and treatment, particularly in the radiological energy range, as well as the calculation of the radiation attenuation properties of such materials, the buildup factor and the attenuation coefficients. Radiation shielding is characterized by parameters such as the linear attenuation coefficient (cm(-1)), equivalent atomic number (Z(eq)), exposure buildup factor (EBF) and exposure absorption buildup factor (EABF). Radiation is often employed in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and accurate calculation of the absorbed dosage during radiation treatment, which is one of the most popular cancer treatments. It relies on accurate modeling of the radiation beams administered to the patient and their interaction with the environment in which they are absorbed. In this research, the shielding characteristics of water, fat and bone related to human tissue are investigated. Using the Phy-X/PSD software, the equivalent atomic number (Z(eq)), EBF and EABF were determined.