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Title: Theoretical basis for solid-state microdosimetry using photochromic alterations

Conference ·
OSTI ID:292950
;  [1]
  1. Georgetown Univ. Medical Center, Washington, DC (United States)

Of special importance for assessing RBE is the study of single HCP (heavy charged particle) tracks in biomatter, because for this type of radiation fields and at low dose levels critical macroscopic sites of the body (e.g., cell nucleus, DNA) will experience single particle traversals. However, currently, no experimental technique can provide such information in a TE condensed-state medium, important for simulating the cellular environment. Therefore, a theoretical study was carried out investigating the feasibility of using the radiation-induced color decay of photochromic molecules doped in a polymer matrix as a probe for solid-state microdosimetry of HCPs. The proposed method is based on photo-exciting the SP molecules prior to irradiation turning them into chromophores, the color-decay rate of which is increased within the HCP track. In principle, by measuring at the appropriate time after the formation of the track the reduction of the optical radiation emitted from the matrix, information relevant to the microscopic distribution of energy deposition in the HCP track may be obtained. The objective of the present study was to calculate the color-decay (or bit-flip) probability of the SP molecules as a function of the radial distance from the HCP track axis. The theoretical model has been developed for single tracks of protons, {alpha}-particles, carbon and oxygen nuclei of 1--10 MeV/amu.

Sponsoring Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC (United States); USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76OR00033
OSTI ID:
292950
Report Number(s):
CONF-960929-; ISBN 0-85404-737-9; TRN: IM9902%%27
Resource Relation:
Conference: 12. symposium on microdosimetry - interdisciplinary meeting on radiation quality, molecular mechanisms, cellular effects and health consequences of low level ionising radiation, Oxford (United Kingdom), 29 Sep - 4 Oct 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1997; Related Information: Is Part Of Microdosimetry: An interdisciplinary approach; Goodhead, D.T.; O`Neill, P. [eds.] [Medical Research Council, Harwell (United Kingdom). Radiation and Genome Stability Unit]; Menzel, H.G. [ed.] [European Commission, Brussels (Belgium). Directorate General for Science, Research and Development]; PB: 445 p.
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English