Effective Atomic Number Values Research Articles

Radiation Shielding Properties of B2O3-ZnO-BaO-TiO2-Bi2O3 Glass System: A Study on Eu-152 Radiation

Abstract The focus of this investigation is the evaluation of the B₂O₃-ZnO-BaO-TiO₂-Bi₂O₃ glasses' radiation shielding properties within the 0.122–0.867 MeV energy range. A 0.75 cm thickness glass's radiation protection efficiency (RPE) was evaluated, revealing that the higher Bi₂O₃ content glass exhibits superior RPE compared to the other samples. The RPE of the glasses at 0.245 MeV are equal to 73 and 83% for the 18 and 30 Bi2O3 mol % glasses, respectively. The transmission factor (TF) results demonstrated that increased glass thickness leads to a reduction in TF values, leading to higher attenuation. The TF values at 0.296 MeV are 40, 22, and 14% for 0.75, 1.25 and 1.6 cm thickness, respectively. It was revealed that the higher Bi2O3 content glass has the lowest TF values. The TF values at 0.245 MeV are 27, 23, 19 and 17% for the 18, 22, 26, and 30 Bi2O3 mol % samples, respectively. At 0.245 MeV, the effective atomic number values are 40.32, 42.45, 48.58, and 48.81 for the 16, 22, 26, and 30 Bi2O3 mol % samples, respectively,

Gamma attenuation and radiation shielding performance of CaCu3B2Re2O12 (B[dbnd]Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) perovskites

In order to identify the importance of perovskites in nuclear science, studies aimed at obtaining the radiation interaction quantities of perovskites are essential. This study computed and analyzed the gamma photon interaction parameters of CaCu3B2Re2O12 (BMn, Fe, Co, and Ni) perovskites to reveal their shielding potentials and comparative advantages against traditional shielding materials. Four samples of ferrimagnetic quaternary perovskites whose chemical structures are summarized as CaCu3B2Re2O12 (BMn (CCMRO1), Fe (CCMRO2), Co (CCMRO3), and Ni (CCMRO4)) were considered for their gamma interaction quantities. The values of mass attenuation coefficient (μρ) was calculated with XCOM and they were in the range of 0.0552 cm2/g–0.4162 cm2/g for CCMRO1, 0.0553 cm2/g–0.4165 cm2/g CCMRO2, 0.0552 cm2/g–0.4148 cm2/g for CCMRO3, and 0.0555 cm2/g–0.4163 cm2/g for CCMRO4. The values of effective atomic number and electron density was within the range 21.38–43.38 and 2.84 x 1023 electrons/g −5.62 x1023 electrons/g, respectively. The trend of the mass energy absorption coefficients of the perovskites was also found to be in the same order as the mass attenuation coefficient. CCMRO3 has the highest photon energy absorptive ability among the perovskites while CCMRO2 has the least capacity. Also, the gamma dose rates in15 mm thick of CCMRO1, CCMRO2, CCMRO3, and CCMRO4 for 1.25 MeV are about 1446 kR/h, 1449 kR/h, 1453 kR/h, and 1446 kR/h, respectively. Comparatively, the values of the exposure and energy absorption buildup factors were almost the same for the perovskites at the same energy and optical depth. The investigated perovskites had higher mass attenuation coefficients that standard shielding glasses. The perovskites can be used for shielding or any other radiation absorption roles in radiation science and technology, especially for photons at low energies.

A comprehensive study of radiation shielding parameters of chalcogens-rich quaternary alloys for nuclear waste management

The current study examines the impact of metal additives on the shielding characteristics of Se76Te20Sn2M2 (where M = Ge, In, Sb, and Pb). These glasses are useful as shielding materials against high-energy radiation, such as X-rays and ϒ-rays, because these glasses have better values of shielding parameters compared to other potential candidates in the race for nuclear safety applications. To this end, we have calculated various radiation-related protection parameters using an online application called Phy-X/PSD. Using this program, we have estimated a complete list of radiation shielding parameters. The impact of the fourth element M (M = Ge, In, Sb, and Pb) on these parameters is also discussed.The maximum mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) was recorded at a photon energy of 15 keV for the incorporation of lead. Half-value layer (HVL) values peaked at 6 MeV and it attained its maximum value for germanium. The highest and lowest values of the linear attenuation coefficients (LAC) were obtained for Se76Te20Sn2Pb2 and Se76Te20Sn2Ge2 alloys respectively. Notably, the Se76Te20Sn2Pb2 alloy exhibited the highest values of effective atomic number (Zeff), electron density (Neff), atomic cross-section (ACS), and electronic cross-section (ECS), indicating superior shielding performance. Conversely, energy absorption buildup factors (EABF) and exposure buildup factors (EBF) were highest for Se76Te20Sn2Ge2 alloy. Neutron attenuation was most effective in the Se76Te20Sn2In2 and Se76Te20Sn2Pb2 compositions. Overall, the incorporation of lead in the parent glass demonstrated superior shielding capability compared to the other compositions studied.

Interpolation insights: Accurate mass attenuation coefficient and effective atomic number estimation in PbO and BaO doped borosilicate glasses

Interpolation techniques such as Piecewise Cubic Hermite Interpolating Polynomials (PCHIP) and Cubic Splines (CS) were used to estimate the mass attenuation coefficient values (MAC) and the effective atomic number values (Zeff) of borosilicate glasses doped with PbO and BaO. The mathematical models were used to obtain a function between the parameters and the energy of the incoming photons, to provide a better understanding of the glass system. The glasses had a composition of 10Na2O–15PbO-(65-x)B2O3–10SiO2-xBaO, where x = 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mol%. The derived values were compared against theoretical data obtained from Phy-X, to determine the accuracy of the mathematical models. The results demonstrate that both the CS and PCHIP methods are useful tools that can accurately be used to determine the MAC and Zeff values of the investigated samples. For instance, at certain energies such as 0.103 MeV, the relative difference between the MAC values obtained through PCHIP and through Phy-X is as low as 0.07, demonstrating the effectiveness of the PCHIP model at these energies. The same is true for the Zeff values, where the same relative difference at 0.384 MeV is as low as 0.0002. Therefore, both the mathematical models demonstrate an effective ability at interpolating the MAC and Zeff values of the investigated glass system.

Experimental investigation of some photon interaction parameters of popular restorative dental materials with a non-destructive technique

Dental restorative materials are widely used to restore esthetics and function in prosthetic treatments. In this paper, reflection coefficients and effective atomic numbers of some restorative materials (Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), feldspathic porcelain (veneering porcelain on cobalt–chromium alloy as metal framework), lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, zircon core (veneering porcelain on yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal), monolithic zirconia, and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass ceramic) were measured by using 59.54 keV energy gamma rays emitted from an Am-241 radioactive source. The scattering peaks of the restorative materials were detected using an HPGe detector. The gamma radiation absorption parameters of these materials (MAC, LAC, MFP, and HVL) were also investigated using a ULEGe detector for 59.54 keV photons. It is observed that the largest MAC value is Monolithic zirconia. The material with the highest reflection parameter was found to be PEEK. Of the dental restorative materials investigated, PEEK has the lowest effective atomic number value of 21.650 and Monolithic zirconia has the highest effective atomic number value of 37.841. Effective atomic numbers can be used in non-destructive analysis and medical imaging, as is well known. In addition, the calibration curve obtained can be used in the qualitative analysis of different restorative and implant materials.

Non-electrocardiography-gated dual-energy cardiac CT angiography for assessment of left atrial appendage thrombus

ObjectiveTo explore the diagnosis value of a low dose, dual-energy cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) with non-electrocardiography-gated (non-ECG-gated) in detecting left atrial appendage (IAA) thrombus. MethodsConsecutive patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent cardiac CTA protocol (dual-energy scan for arterial phase and conventional scan for delayed phase) were prospectively enrolled. LAA lesions were proved by clinical comprehensive diagnosis, the final study included 18 cases with LAA thrombus and 48 cases with circulatory stasis. Quantitative parameters derived from dual-energy images were measured for the LAA lesions, including the conventional CT attenuation value (CT value), iodine concentration (IC), normalized iodine concentration (NIC), effective atomic number values (Zeff) and energy spectrum curve slope (Slope). The differences between LAA thrombus group and circulatory stasis group were compared by independent sample t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test regarding to the normality test. The diagnosis performance of the dual-energy parameters was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and area under curve (AUC). ResultsAll the dual-energy parameters were demonstrated significantly difference between LAA thrombus and circulatory stasis group (P＜0.05), and showed better diagnostic performance than the conventional CT value. ROC analysis revealed IC was the most predictive parameter with AUC equal to 0.836. The radiation dose in the arterial phase was (2.64 ​± ​0.66) mSv. ConclusionDual-energy CTA scanning shows convincing diagnostic performance in detecting left atrial appendage thrombus with lower radiation dose, and may help reduce the need for delayed phase scan.

Radiation Shielding efficiency of lead-tungsten-boron glasses with Sb, Al, and Bi against gamma, neutron and charge particles

We report on newly developed nuclear shielding glass system based on lead-tungsten-boron (PWB) for radiation applications against photon, neutron and charge particles. This newly developed system contains also different additions, in low concentrations, such as Sb, Al and Bi. The gamma/photon shielding performance was tested by using FLUKA Monte Carlo. Moreover, the shielding efficiency of the present system is examined against charged particles (light and heavy ones) and neutrons. The highest gamma/photons attenuation is observed in the lowest incident energy and this is at the region of the photoelectric absorption. We also observe that the values of effective atomic number (Zeff) show a peak at 100 keV incident energy. The reduction of these values is higher for photon energy range 0.1–1 MeV than below 80 keV energies. The lowest half value layer (d1/2), reflecting the best shielding efficiency, is recorded for the PWB-Bi system. The PWB-Bi system demonstrates promising performance better than many of commercial and standard systems and heavy concretes.

Evaluation of microcirculation in asymptomatic cerebral infarction with multi-parameter imaging of spectral CT

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of spectral CT multiparametric imaging in the evaluation of cerebral microcirculatory perfusion. MethodsThe imaging data of 145 patients with asymptomatic cerebral infarction confirmed by MR were retrospectively analyzed, and all cases underwent head CTA and cranial CT perfusion imaging (CTP) on double-layer detector spectral CT. Single energy level images (MonoE45 keV), iodine density maps, and effective atomic number maps were reconstructed based on spectral CTA data, and CT values, iodine density values, and effective atomic number values were measured in the infarcted area, healthy control area, centrum semiovale and posterior limb of the internal capsule, respectively; perfusion values, such as cerebral blood volume (CBV) values, cerebral blood flow (CBF) values, time to peak (TTP) values, and mean passage time, were measured in the above-mentioned areas on CTP images. (TTP) values, and mean time to passage (MTT) values. CT values, iodine density values, effective atomic number values, and perfused CBV, CBF, TTP, and MTT values were compared between the infarcted area and the healthy side, the center of the hemianopia, and the posterior limb of the internal capsule. The role of spectral CT parameters and perfusion parameters in the evaluation of asymptomatic cerebral infarction was analyzed. ResultsCT values, iodine density values, and effective atomic number values were statistically different between the infarcted area and the healthy side; CT values, iodine density values, and effective atomic number values were not statistically different between the infarcted side and the healthy side of the hemispheric centrum and the posterior limb of the internal capsule; CBV and CBF were statistically different between the infarcted side and the healthy side, and MTT and TTP were not statistically different. There were statistically significant differences in TTP between the infarcted area and the healthy side of the hemiaxial center, and no statistically significant differences in CBV, CBF, and MTT. There were no statistical differences in CBV, CBF, TTP, and MTT in the inner capsule area. ROC curve analysis of spectral CT-related parameters and CT perfusion parameters for the diagnosis of asymptomatic cerebral infarction: area under the curve of MonoE 45Kv 0.71, area under the curve of iodine density values 0.76, area under the curve of effective atomic number values 0.74; area under the curve of CBV value 0.64, area under the curve of CBF value 0.61, area under the curve of MTT value 0.50, The area under the TTP curve was 0.52. The area under the ROC curve of the multivariate logistic regression model based on spectral parameters is 0.76, which is higher than that of the logistic regression model with perfusion parameters (P < 0.05). ConclusionSpectral CT can better demonstrate small intracranial ischemic lesions, and iodine density values have a better evaluation of microcirculation in asymptomatic cerebral infarcts.

A Study of Photon Interaction Parameters for Some Stainless Steel Alloys

In this work, we investigated the effective atom number, the effective electron density, the mean free path, the tenth-value layer, the half-value layer, and the mass attenuation coefficient for some stainless steels: AISI 302, AISI 303, AISI 304, AISI 304L, AISI 310, AISI 316, AISI 321, and AISI 410. The mass attenuation coefficients were determined using the WinXCom computer program in the energy region 1keV- 100 GeV. The effective atom number and effective electron density have been calculated using two different methods, the direct method, and the interpolation method. The results reveal that the values of effective atomic numbers and effective electron numbers are greatly influenced by the atomic number of elements in the alloy and the interaction photon energy. The effective atom numbers grew as the atomic number of the constituents in the alloys increased. The effective atomic number and effective electron density values for all steels were found to have the highest values at 0–0.1 MeV energy and the lowest values in the 0.5–6 MeV energy range. The shielding properties of the steels produced close results, but AISI 304L provided the best protection while AISI 410 provided the least. The results obtained with both methods were also compared. The result of the present study may provide new and helpful knowledge about stainless steel for gamma-ray shielding applications.

Study of Effective Atomic Number, Mass Energy Absorption Coefficient and Absorbed Dose Rate in Human Organ and Tissue Substitutes

Abstract: The effective atomic number and mass energy absorption coefficient are two essential parameters used to investigate the radiation response of composite materials of dosimetric interest in many medical applications. The effective atomic number of nine selected human tissues and eleven samples of tissue substitute materials were computed using two methods, the interpolation method and the direct method in the energy range used in brachytherapy applications (0.1-2.0) MeV. The applicability of using the effective atomic number values to investigate scatter and absorption properties of some tissue substitutes, against that of the corresponding human tissues, to validate their tissue-equivalency, is examined. The effect of partial interaction cross sections is also explicitly discussed. Further, the absorbed dose rate, for an isotropic point source, in the selected tissue samples was computed using their estimated mass energy absorption coefficient values. The obtained data are analyzed and differences in sample dose rate relative to water, for photon energies of interest, are evaluated. The results indicate that numbers of tissue substitute samples yield estimates of dose rate to within 5% of dose rate of their corresponding human tissues. The obtained results are expected to be useful in improving dose calculation accuracy in brachytherapy treatment planning or dose evaluation after treatment. Keywords: Dosimetry, Human organs and tissues, Tissue equivalent materials, Equivalent atomic number, Attenuation and absorption coefficients.

Mechanic-elastic properties and radiation attenuation efficiency of TeO2/WO3/K2O composite glass systems for nuclear and medical application

WO3 effects on neutron and ionizing radiation defending factors of ternary tellurite-based glass blocks with molecular formula 80TeO2 –(20-x)WO3 – xK2O; x = 0–20 mol% (denoted as TKW-glass) has been reported via Phy-X theoretical calculations and Geant4 simulation code. Correlations between shielding factors and kinetics properties of the investigated glasses at different photon energy have been examined. The highest values of mass (MAC) attenuation coefficient were noted at 15 keV of the examined TKW-glass materials with the values of 38.408, 44.388, 49.855, 54.872, 59.492 cm2/g for TKW-0, TKW-5, TKW-10, TKW-15, and TKW-20, respectively. Generally, these values of the TKW-glasses obey the sequence: (TKW-0)MAC< (TKW-5)MAC < (TKW-10)MAC < (TKW-15)MAC < (TKW-20)MAC. The highest mean free path (MFP) values of TKW-glasses were registered at 15 MeV with the values of 6.101, 5.591, 5.097, 4.647, and 4.302 cm for TKW-0, TKW-5, TKW-10, TKW-15, and TKW-20, respectively. The two parameters half value layer (HVL) and MFP follow the pattern: (TKW-0)HVL, MFP > (TKW-5)HVL,MFP > (TKW-10)HVL,MFP > (TKW-15)HVL,MFP > (TKW-20)HVL,MFP. The maximum values of effective atomic number (EAN) took place at gamma energy of 15 keV corresponding to 44.35, 48.86, 52.63, 55.83, and 58.58 for TKW-0, TKW-5, TKW-10, TKW-15, and TKW-20, respectively. The trend of the buildup factors was similar for all of the glass specimens. The fast neutron removal cross-section (ΣR) enhanced as WO3 content increased in the specimens. Thus, the peaked value of ΣR is 0.1059 cm−1 was noted in the TKW-20 sample. Mechanical properties, neutron and γ-rays protection parameters were observed to improve with enhanced WO3 mol% in the TKW-glasses. The current results bear their utilization for neutron and gamma protection purposes.

Dual-energy CT for the detection of skull base invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: comparison of simulated single-energy CT and MRI

BackgroundSkull base invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was shown to be a poor negative prognostic factor, and dual-energy CT (DECT) has heralded a new approach to detect this condition. The study aims to evaluate the value of DECT for detection of skull base invasion in NPC and compare the diagnostic performance of DECT with those of simulated single-energy CT (SECT) and MRI.MethodsThe imaging findings of 50 NPC patients and 31 participants in control group which underwent DECT examinations were assessed in this retrospective study. The skull base invasions were evaluated using 5-point scale by two blind observers. ROC analysis, Mcnemar test, paired t test, weighted K statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient were performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of simulated SECT, MRI and DECT.ResultsQuantitative analysis of DECT parameters showed higher normalized iodine concentration and effective atomic number values in sclerosis and lower values in erosion than those in normal bones (both p < 0.05). Compared with simulated SECT and MRI, the diagnostic sensitivity for DECT was significantly improved from 75% (simulated SECT) and 84.26% (MRI) to 90.74% (DECT) (both p < 0.001), specificity from 93.23% and 93.75% to 95.31 (both p < 0.001), accuracy from 86.67% and 90.33% to 93.67%, and AUC from 0.927 and 0.955 to 0.972 (both p < 0.05), respectively.ConclusionsDECT demonstrates better diagnostic performance than simulated SECT and MRI for detecting skull base invasions in NPC, even those slight bone invasions in early stage, with higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.Graphical

A quantitative analysis of spectral computed tomography characteristics of osseous metastases.

Spectral detector computed tomography (SDCT) is a recent advancement that enables elemental material decomposition which could improve the detection of osseous metastases in the oncologic patient. Sixteen patients who underwent oncologic staging SDCT as well as WBBS with Technetium-99 m hydroxydiphosphonate (Tc99m HDP) were included in this retrospective study. A total of 50 osseous metastases were identified and confirmed on bone scintigraphy. Quantitative ROI-based measurements of each lesion and a similar region of normal bone were performed, and the acquired spectral data were used for comparison. These parameters included effective atomic number (Zeff ), electron density (%EDW) and calcium suppression (HU). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. In comparison to normal bone, osseous metastases showed statistically significantly elevated values in effective atomic number, electron density and calcium suppression. ROC analysis demonstrated outstanding discrimination with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.934 and 0.915 for effective atomic number and electron density, and excellent discrimination with an AUC value of 0.884 for calcium suppression. Threshold values of effective atomic number (Zeff ) >9.7, electron density >115% EDW and calcium suppression values >0 HU were demonstrated to be able to differentiate an osseous lesion from normal bone with a sensitivity of 82%, 82% and 84% and a specificity of 86%, 92% and 88% respectively. Spectral analysis of osseous metastases demonstrated significantly elevated values in effective atomic number, electron density and calcium suppression as compared to normal bone which would be useful adjunct quantitative parameters in CT imaging to increase diagnostic confidence.

The impact of chemical modifications on gamma-ray attenuation properties of some WO3-reinforced tellurite glasses

Abstract We report the role of the chemical modifications on various gamma-ray attenuation properties of four different tellurite glasses reinforced through WO3. The chemical compositions and glass densities are used in terms of determining some critical attenuation properties, such as linear and mass attenuation coefficients, half value layer, and effective atomic number values. Based on the rise in density, it was determined that the maximum concentration of WO3 also resulted in a significant change in the overall gamma-ray absorption properties, when all of the study’s findings were examined. It was observed that the glass sample, in which TeO2 and WO3 were 40 mol%, had the highest density. It was found that this glass with the highest density has the highest linear attenuation coefficient and mass attenuation coefficient and the lowest half value layer among the four samples specified. This demonstrates that WO3 inclusion is a functional component that may be used in tellurium glasses and is a suitable material for situations requiring increased gamma-ray absorption properties.

Assessment on gamma radiation shielding properties of molybdenum doped bricks

Gamma radiation permeability experiments were carried out by preparing a new type of brick mixture with Molybdenum (Mo, Z = 42) additives (0 (B0), 5 (B1), 10 (B2), 20 (B3), 30 (B4), 40 (B5), 50 (B6) %wt). The density of the bricks increased to 2.79 g/cm3 with increasing Mo content. The bricks were exposed to gamma rays with 81, 276, 303, 356 and 383 keV photon energies emitted from 133Ba radioactive source and the transmitted intensities were detected using the Canberra Ultra Ge detector. Gamma attenuation characteristics of the bricks were also calculated by mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic numbers and electron densities using the EpiXS program as a function of gamma-ray energy. And also, the exposure and energy absorption buildup factors of bricks were determined at different mean-free paths and photon energies using EpiXS program. It was observed that as the density of the bricks increased, the radiation shielding properties also increased. The values of the mass attenuation coefficients at 81 keV for B0–B6 bricks were found to vary between 0.229 and 1.08 cm2/g. It was found that Zeff values were 13.3, 16.1, 17.4, 19.09, 22.5, 25.3 and 26.6 for B0, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 and B6 samples at 81 keV, respectively. As can be seen from these results, B6 brick has the highest Zeff value. And also, the calculated results displayed that the lowest values of exposure buildup factors and energy absorption buildup factors are observed for the B6 brick. The B6 brick containing 50% Mo element has a higher mass attenuation coefficient and effective atomic number values than the other bricks. The values of exposure and energy absorption buildup factors of B6 brick were lower than the values of other investigated samples. The measured and calculated shielding values of the bricks were in close agreement. It has been seen that the shielding results of these new types of bricks, which are low in cost and easy to produce and use, are quite successful.

Assessment of radiation shielding performance of Li2O-BaO-Bi2O3-P2O5 glass systems within the energy range from 0.081 MeV to 1.332 MeV via MCNP6 code

The purpose of this study is to assess the radiation shielding performance of the lithium barium bismuth phosphate glass system from energy 0.081–1.332 MeV where the concentration (mol%) of barium and bismuth were varied yet lithium and phosphate were fixed. A few radiation shielding parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half value layer (HVL), and effective atomic number (Zeff) of the glass system were calculated through MCNP6 code. Enhancement of the amount of Bi2O3 on the lithium barium bismuth phosphate glass system amended the density of glass systems that’s why the value of effective atomic number was increased. Obtained results represent that the value of half value layer was 27 times higher for upsurging the incident photon energy from 0.081 M to 1.332 MeV. Moreover, at energy 1.332 MeV, the value of half value layer for sample LiBaBiP5 and LiBaBiP30 were 3.80 cm and 2.73 cm, respectively, which specifies that with the greater amount of Bi2O3 in the lithium barium bismuth phosphate glass system enhanced the radiation shielding ability. Glass system 5Li2O-5BaO-30Bi2O3-60 P2O5 showed the highest value of radiation shielding performance from energy 0.081–1.332 MeV. Eventually, it can be stated that Bi2O3 is the more suitable additives to enhance the shielding ability of glass material among the two oxides BaO, and Bi2O3.

Nano tin oxide/dimethyl polysiloxane reinforced composite as a flexible radiation protecting material

Reinforced polymer composites are a recent type of advanced shielding material that has been studied experimentally and theoretically. This work described the protection properties of silicon rubber filled with nano and micro tin oxide (II). These shielding materials are evaluated by parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient, mean free path, effective atomic number, and buildup factor. The morphology and mechanical properties of silicon rubber, which is reinforced with tin oxide (II) particles in terms of weight fraction and size, have been studied. The results explain that the mass attenuation coefficient increases as tin oxide (II) concentration increases at a particular photon energy. It was found that the shielding properties of nano tin oxide (II) composites are more effective than micro tin oxide (II) composites against gamma rays. The effective atomic number values increase by increasing tin oxide (II) and so on equivalent atomic number. On the other hand, increasing tin oxide (II) weight fraction led to an increase in buildup factor maximum, which proved that tin oxide (II) concentration has significant effectiveness in radiation protection.

Understanding the physical, optical and gamma ray shielding properties of the PbO-Bi2O3-CdO-B2O3 glass systems

Physical properties, optical properties, and shielding properties were reported herein by varying the amount of bismuth (III) oxide (Bi2O3) and boron oxide (B2O3) on the PbO-Bi2O3-CdO- B2O3 glass systems through Melt quenching technique. After altering the amount of Bi2O3 density studied glass systems have varied from 4.3 g/cm3 - 5.7 g/cm3. With the addition of bismuth oxide, the density, molar volume, and oxygen packing density all rise. As bismuth concentration increases, the indirect band gap reduces, indicating structural changes in the glasses. As bismuth concentration rises, so do the refractive index (n), optical dielectric constant, and reflection loss (RL) characteristics. Ionic nature of current samples is supported by the reduction in electronegativity and rise in polarizability, which reduces the band gap. Linear attenuation coefficients (LAC), mass attenuation coefficients (MAC), half value layers (HVL), and mean free path (MFP) were calculated for photon energy range 0.015–15 MeV via exploiting Phy-X software. Containing supreme amount of Bi2O3 (25% mol) studied glass systems have shown higher values of effective atomic number (Zeff), LAC, MAC along with least values of HVL and MFP considering with other studied glass systems. Results showed that deposition of Bi2O3 on the studied glass systems has boosted their shielding ability.

An investigation on compatibility of experimental effective atomic numbers of some Fe–Ni alloys with those predicted by MCNP

In this work, effective atomic numbers of some Fe–Ni alloys were obtained experimentally by coherent and Compton scattering intensity ratios at scattering angle of 168° by using Americium-241 gamma rays (59.54 keV) and High Purity Germanium Detector (HPGe) detector. The experimental setup consisting of Am-241 and HPGe detector was simulated using the MCNP (Version 6.2) code. The intensity ratios of coherent and Compton scattering peaks of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn elements used for calibration were plotted as a function of their atomic numbers. The effective atomic numbers of the investigated alloys were determined by the interpolation method based on the coherent to Compton scattering ratio. Coherent to Compton intensity ratios of the alloys ranged from 1098.02 to 1165.47. The effective atomic number values obtained by MCNP simulation of the alloys were between 26.423 and 27.211, the experimentally effective atomic number values were between 26.524 and 27.382, and the theoretical effective atomic number values obtained with ZXCom were between 26.710 and 27.594. It is observed that the results obtained by the simulation method are in agreement with the experimental results and the theoretical results obtained with ZXCOM.

Numerical Investigation on Photon Sensing Parameters for Some Thermoluminescence Dosimeters: A Comparative Study

In the present work, twelve inorganic thermoluminescence dosimeteric (TLD) materials doped with some rare earth elements (LiF:Sm, LiBaP2O7:Eu, CaCO3:Eu, CaSO4:Dy, SrSO4:Sm, CdSO4:Dy, BaSO4:Eu, Li2B4O7:Dy, MgB4O7:Gd, Al2O3:Gd, MgAl2O4:Ce and LiCaAlF6:Eu) and three organic TLD materials (C3H7NO2, C7H8O2 and C4H6BaO4) were selected for comparative analysis on the basis of different photon sensing parameters. About nine photon sensing parameters viz. mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mean free path (mfp), half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), effective atomic number (EAN), effective electron number (EEN), exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) were obtained for the selected fifteen TLDs. The simultaneous variation of these photon sensing parameters for the selected TLDs with photon energy and composition has been analyzed. The results of present comparative analysis help radiation physicists to easily select a particular dosimeter for their research laboratory from different existing compositions. All photon sensing parameters viz. MAC, LAC, mfp, HVL, TVL, EAN, EEN, EBF and EABF for selected TLDs strongly depend upon incident energy and chemical composition in lower and higher energy regions. Among the selected TLDs; BaSO4: Eu3+ offers best results (maximum values for MAC, EAN, EEN; and minimum values for mfp, HVL, TVL, EBF, EABF); whereas MgB4O7:Gd3+ offers EAN value close to tissue and less variation in most of the sensing parameters with respect to photon energy.