A Monte Carlo strategy to simulate positrons and positronium in biological materials

Abstract

We present an algorithm for Monte Carlo simulations of positron tracks in biological materials. The algorithm takes into account the cross-section data for elastic and inelastic collisions between positrons and molecules and processes like direct annihilation, ionization and positronium formation. In the case of positronium formation, the algorithm considers the interactions of positronium with molecules. The algorithm can be used to identify the processes that are responsible to determine the lifetime of the positrons and their annihilation mechanism (direct or through positronium formation).