Evaluation of skin absorbed doses during manipulation of radioactive sources: a comparison between the VARSKIN code and Monte Carlo simulations
The evaluation of skin doses during manipulation of radioactive sources can be a critical issue for which the most accurate calculation strategies available should be used. The aim of this work was to compare the results of the analytical approach used in VARSKIN with the simulation of radiation transport and interaction by Monte Carlo calculations in GAMOS (GEANT4-based Architecture for Medicine-Oriented Simulations), and to provide an accurate and versatile tool for the evaluation of skin doses from radionuclide sources of any realistic shape (e.g. cylindrical, parallelepiped), even in the presence of multiple interposed absorber layers. A set of 20 radionuclides (pure β, β–γ, Auger and γ emitters) from among the most frequently employed in nuclear medicine and laboratory practices were selected for comparison. We studied a point-like and a cylindrical source, in the presence of varying thicknesses of absorbing layers. We found a general agreement for most nuclides when the source was directly in contact with skin or in the presence of a thin layer of absorbing material. However, when the thickness of the absorber increased, significant differences were found for several nuclides. In these cases, the proposed method based on a dedicated Monte Carlo simulation could give more accurate results in a reasonable time, which could optimise accuracy when assessing skin doses in routine as well as incidental exposure scenarios.
VARSKIN MOD 2 and SADDE MOD2: Computer codes for assessing skin dose from skin contamination
The computer code VARSKIN has been modified to calculate dose to skin from three-dimensional sources, sources separated from the skin by layers of protective clothing, and gamma dose from certain radionuclides correction for backscatter has also been incorporated for certain geometries. This document describes the new code, VARSKIN Mod 2, including installation and operation instructions, provides detailed descriptions of the models used, and suggests methods for avoiding misuse of the code. The input data file for VARSKIN Mod 2 has been modified to reflect current physical data, to include the contribution to dose from internal conversion and Auger electrons, and to reflect a correction for low-energy electrons. In addition, the computer code SADDE: Scaled Absorbed Dose Distribution Evaluator has been modified to allow the generation of scaled absorbed dose distributions for mixtures of radionuclides and intereat conversion and Auger electrons. This new code, SADDE Mod 2, is also described in this document. Instructions for installation and operation of the code and detailed descriptions of the models used in the code are provided.
Refinement of crystal structure parameters using convergent‐beam electron diffraction: the low‐temperature phase of SrTiO3
The method to refine crystal structure parameters (atom positions and Debye–Waller factors) using convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED), which is applicable to crystal structure analysis of a small specimen area down to a few nm in diameter, is studied. The line profiles of higher-order Laue-zone reflections are recorded using imaging plates. Theoretical intensities are calculated based on the dynamical theory of electron diffraction with the aid of the generalized Bethe approximation to shorten calculation time. The structural parameters are determined by fitting the experimental profiles with the theoretical ones using a nonlinear least-squares method. The present method has been applied to the low-temperature phase of SrTiO3. The structural parameter or the rotation angle of the oxygen octahedron has been determined to be \varphi = 1.12 (4)°, which shows good agreement with that obtained from electron spin resonance experiments.