The neutron dose conversion coefficients calculation in human tooth enamel in an anthropomorphic phantom

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Dosimetry
• Computational Physics

Background:

• Accurate dosimetry is crucial for radiation protection.
• Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) dating relies on accurate dose estimations.
• Neutron interactions in biological tissues require detailed simulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To simulate neutron and photon transport using MCNP4B.
• To determine conversion coefficients relating neutron fluence to dose in tooth enamel.
• To provide data for connecting EPR dose values with ICRP protection quantities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized MCNP4B simulation code for neutron and photon transport.
• Calculated conversion coefficients for 20 neutron energy groups (10^-9 to 20 MeV).
• Investigated five different irradiation geometries.

Main Results:

• Absorbed dose in enamel strongly depends on neutron energy (>10 keV) and irradiation geometry.
• Results for critical organs align with ICRP data (<10% discrepancy for fast neutrons).
• Tooth enamel can register 10-120% of total body neutron dose depending on energy and geometry.

Conclusions:

• The study provides essential data for radiation dosimetry in tooth enamel.
• Findings support the connection between EPR dosimetry and ICRP-defined protection quantities.
• Tooth enamel's sensitivity to neutron dose is quantified, aiding future research and safety evaluations.