Photon Radiation Transport Research Articles

An implicit unified gas-kinetic particle method with large time steps for gray radiation transport

For a long time, efficient algorithms for high-dimensional equations, represented by photon radiation transport, have been one important topic in the development of computational methods for particle transport processes. In this paper, we present an implicit unified gas-kinetic particle (IUGKP) method for multiscale gray radiative transfer. Based on the integral solution of the radiative transfer equation, the photon transport processes are categorized into non-equilibrium transport processes with a large photon free path and equilibrium transport processes with a small photon free path. The long-path processes are solved by an implicit Monte Carlo (IMC) method, and the short-path processes are solved by an implicit diffusion system. The closure formulation of photon distribution is derived from the local integral solution of the radiative transfer equation to couple the IMC and diffusion system. The improvement of the proposed IUGKP method over UGKP method is that particles can be tracked continuously instead of just until the first collision, making simulation with large time steps possible. The IUGKP method has the properties of asymptotic-preserving (AP) and regime-adaptive (RA). The AP property states that the IUGKP method converges to the consistent numerical methods for the asymptotic limiting equations of RTE in the limiting regimes. The RA property states that the computational accuracy of the IUGKP method adapts to the regimes. In this paper, the mathematical proof of the AP and RA properties is presented, and the multiscale numerical tests are performed to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the IUGKP method.

Photon-recycling effect in perovskites for photovoltaic applications: a Monte Carlo study.

Photon recycling has been shown to play an important role in the optoelectronic properties and device performance of perovskite solar cells recently. However, there lacks an analytical method to accurately predict the dynamics of charge carriers and photons and the device performance with photon recycling due to the complexity of multiple electron-photon conversion processes involved in photon recycling. We propose a model based on the Monte Carlo simulation method that combines charge carrier diffusion and photon radiation transport to analyze the effects of photon recycling on electron-photon dynamics and device performance of perovskite solar cells. We show that the carrier lifetime can be significantly boosted by photon recycling in the radiative limit, which yields a 37 meV increase in the open-circuit voltage for a 500 nm thick perovskite solar cell. Our results provide insights for the working mechanisms of perovskite solar cells, and the new model can be further applied to other types of solar cells with photon recycling.

Specific absorbed fractions for a revised series of the UF/NCI pediatric reference phantoms: internal photon sources

Assessment of radiation absorbed dose to internal organs of the body from the intake of radionuclides, or in the medical setting through the injection of radiopharmaceuticals, is generally performed based upon reference biokinetic models or patient imaging data, respectively. Biokinetic models estimate the time course of activity localized to source organs. The time-integration of these organ activity profiles are then scaled by the radionuclide S-value, which defines the absorbed dose to a target tissue per nuclear transformation in various source tissues. S-values are computed using established nuclear decay information (particle energies and yields), and a parameter termed the specific absorbed fraction (SAF). The SAF is the ratio of the absorbed fraction—fraction of particle energy emitted in the source tissue that is deposited in the target tissue—and the target organ mass. While values of the SAF may be computed using patient-specific or individual-specific anatomic models, they have been more widely available through the use of computational reference phantoms. In this study, we report on an extensive series of photon SAFs computed in a revised series of the University of Florida and the National Cancer Institute pediatric reference phantoms which have been modified to conform to the specifications embodied in the ICRP reference adult phantoms of Publication 110 (e.g. organs modeled, organ ID numbers, blood contribution to elemental compositions). Following phantom anatomical revisions, photon radiation transport simulations were performed using MCNPX v2.7 in each of the ten phantoms of the series—male and female newborn, 1 year old, 5 year old, 10 year old, and 15 year old—for 60 different tissues serving as source and/or target regions. A total of 25 photon energies were considered from 10 keV to 10 MeV along a logarithm energy grid. Detailed analyses were conducted of the relative statistical errors in the Monte Carlo target tissue energy deposition tallies at low photon energies and over all energies for source–target combinations at large intra-organ separation distances. Based on these analyses, various data smoothing algorithms were employed, including multi-point weighted data smoothing, and log–log interpolation at low energies (1 keV and 5 keV) using limiting SAF values based upon target organ mass to bound the interpolation interval. The final dataset is provided in a series of ten electronic supplemental files in MS Excel format. The results of this study were further used as the basis for assessing the radiative component of internal electron source SAFs as described in our companion paper (Schwarz et al 2021) for this same pediatric phantom series.

Hollow laser self-confined plasma for extreme ultraviolet lithography and other applications

Laser-produced plasma (LPP) devices are being developed as a light source for the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography applications. One concern of such devices is to increase the conversion efficiency of laser energy to EUV light. A new idea based on the initiation and confinement of cumulative plasma jet inside a hollow laser beam is developed and simulated. The integrated computer model (HEIGHTS) was used to simulate the plasma behavior and the EUV radiation output in the LPP devices. The model takes into account plasma heat conduction and magnetohydrodynamic processes in a two-temperature approximation, as well as detailed photon radiation transport in 3D Monte Carlo model. The model employs cylindrical 2D version of a total variation-diminishing scheme (for the plasma hydrodynamics) and an implicit scheme with the sparse matrix linear solver (to describe heat conduction). Numerical simulations showed that the EUV efficiency of the proposed hollow-beam LPP device to be higher than the current standard devices.

A model for distinguishing between static and dynamic exposure of personal thermoluminescence dosimeters

To distinguish between static and dynamic (normal) exposure of personal TL dosimeters, a model of radiation deposition and of TL light transport in the TLD dosimeter is proposed. The RADOS dosimeter badge using MCP-N (LiF:Mg,Cu,P) TL detectors with standard filters replaced by special Pb and Cu filters with a pattern of holes or inserts was modelled. The photon radiation transport in the dosimeter and energy deposition in the TL detector were simulated by the Penelope Monte Carlo transport code. The model of TL light transport within the TL pellet takes into account the distribution of energy deposition in the TL detector, light self-absorption in the detector and reflection of TL light of the heating planchet. The shape and hole pattern of the filters were optimized with respect to best distinction between static and dynamic exposures. The results of calculations were verified experimentally by exposing RADOS badges with modified filters to beams of low energy X-rays directed at various angles.

Three-dimensional simulation of laser-produced plasma for extreme ultraviolet lithography applications

Laser-produced plasma (LPP) from a tin target is being considered as the light source for the next generation of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. An integrated model was developed to simulate the plasma behavior and the EUV radiation output in LPP devices. The model includes plasma heat conduction and hydrodynamic processes in a two-temperature approximation, as well as detailed photon radiation transport using Monte Carlo methods. Multiple laser beams incident on a single target have been simulated in full three-dimensional geometry, using the total variation-diminishing scheme for the plasma hydrodynamics and an implicit scheme for heat conduction processes. Numerical simulations showed that EUV conversion efficiency increases for multiple-beam devices with specific optimum laser locations and direction compared to a single-beam device.

Numerical Simulation of Laser-Produced Plasma Devices for EUV Lithography Using the Heights Integrated Model

ABSTRACT Laser-produced plasma (LPP) devices have been modeled as the light source for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. A key challenge for LPP is achieving sufficient brightness to support the throughput requirements of high-volume manufacturing. An integrated model (HEIGHTS) was applied to simulate the environment of EUV sources and optimize their output. The model includes plasma evolution and magnetohydrodynamic processes in a two-temperature approximation, as well as photon radiation transport determined by the Monte Carlo method. It uses the total variation diminishing scheme for the description of magnetic compression and diffusion in a cylindrical 2-D geometry for the target. Generation of the internal magnetic field with nonparallel density and temperature gradients was also considered. Preliminary results from numerical simulation in hydrodynamics and line radiation output of xenon and tin plasmas are presented for planar and droplet targets.

Optimizing Operational Parameters for Z-Pinch EUV Source by Artificial Neural Network

Non-equilibrium ionization plays a critical role in Z-pinch gas discharge produced plasma (GDPP) EUV source. However, the physics of the processes, plasma and surface discharges produced, magneto-hydrodynamic, photon radiation transport, and plasma-electrode interactions, which lead to EUV emission, is intrinsically complex. Many simplifying assumption are inevitable with numerical simulations, resulting in low-credibility outcomes. With the learning and generalization abilities, artificial neural networks (ANN) have been applied to model and optimize a Z-pinch plasma source, which is characterized with a experimental design at varied operational parameters including electric power input, applied voltage/current, pulse repetition, MPC parameters, electrode geometry, xenon flow rate as well as convention efficiency, EUV source size, radiation power etc.

HEIGHTS initial simulation of discharge produced plasma hydrodynamics and radiation transport for extreme ultraviolet lithography

Discharge-produced plasma (DPP) devices have been proposed as a light source for EUV lithography. A key challenge for DPP is achieving sufficient brightness to support the throughput requirements of exposure tools for high-volume manufacturing lithography. To simulate the environment of the EUV source and optimize the output of the source, an integrated model is being developed to describe the hydrodynamic and optical processes that occur in DPP devices. The model includes both plasma evolution and magnetohydrodynamic processes as well as detailed photon radiation transport. The total variation diminishing scheme in the Lax-Friedrich formulation for the description of magnetic compression and diffusion in a cylindrical geometry is used. Several models are being developed for opacity calculations: a collisional radiation equilibrium model, a self-consistent field model with Auger processes, and a nonstationary kinetic model. Radiation transport for both continuum and lines with detailed spectral profiles are taken into account. The developed models are integrated into the HEIGHTS-EUV computer simulation package. Preliminary results of a numerical simulation of xenon gas hydrodynamics and EUV radiation output are presented for various plasma conditions.

New critical assessments of chamber and wall response to target implosion in inertial fusion reactors

The chamber walls in inertial fusion energy (IFE) reactors are exposed to harsh conditions following each target implosion. Key issues of the cyclic IFE operation include intense photon and ion deposition, wall thermal and hydrodynamic evolution, wall erosion and fatigue lifetime, and chamber clearing and evacuation to ensure desirable conditions prior to next target implosion. Several methods for wall protection have been proposed in the past, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. These methods include use of solid bare walls, gas-filled cavities, and liquid walls/jets. Detailed models have been developed for reflected laser light, emitted photons, neutrons, and target debris deposition and interaction with chamber components and have been implemented in the comprehensive heights software package. The hydrodynamic response of gas-filled cavities and photon radiation transport of the deposited energy have been calculated by means of new and advanced numerical techniques for accurate shock treatment and propagation. Photon radiation transport models are developed for either the gas-filled cavity or in the evolving vapor cloud layer above the wall surface. The focus of this work is to examine the overall wall response and lifetime due to various erosion mechanisms.

Performance and lifetime assessment of reactor wall and nearby components during plasma instabilities

Surface and structural damage to plasma-facing components due to the frequent loss of plasma confinement is a serious problem for the tokamak reactor concept. The plasma energy deposited on these components during loss of confinement causes significant surface erosion, possible structural failure, and frequent plasma contamination. Surface damage consists of vaporization, spallation, and liquid splatter of metallic materials. Comprehensive multidimensional models that include thermodynamics and thermal hydraulics of plasma-facing materials, eroded-debris/vapor atomic physics and magnetohydrodynamics, resulting photon radiation and photon transport, as well as liquid splashing and brittle destruction of materials, are used self-consistently to evaluate and assess our current understanding of the lifetime of plasma-facing materials and the various forms of damage they experience. Models are developed to study the stability of the vapor shielding layer, erosion of the melt-layer, brittle destruction/explosive erosion, and the issues involved therein.

Skin Dose from Radionuclide Contamination on Clothing

Skin dose due to radionuclide contamination on clothing is calculated by Monte Carlo simulation of electron and photon radiation transport. Contamination due to a hot particle on some selected clothing geometries of cotton garment is simulated. The effect of backscattering in the surrounding air is taken into account. For each combination of source-clothing geometry, the dose distribution function in the skin, including the dose at tissue depths of 7 mg cm(-2) and 1,000 mg cm(-2), is calculated by simulating monoenergetic photon and electron sources. Skin dose due to contamination by a radionuclide is then determined by proper weighting of the monoenergetic dose distribution functions. The results are compared with the VARSKIN point-kernel code for some radionuclides, indicating that the latter code tends to underestimate the dose for gamma and high energy beta sources while it overestimates skin dose for low energy beta sources.

Calculation of computed tomography dose index to effective dose conversion factors based on measurement of the dose profile along the fan shaped beam.

The variation in computed tomography dose index (CTDI) to effective dose conversion factors between different types of CT scanner is large (i.e. a factor of about 2 due to differences in beam shaping filters). Consequently, scanner specific conversion factors have to be applied. For some types of scanner, however, detailed information on the construction of beam shaping filters is not provided by the manufacturers. It is of interest to investigate the use of measured dose profiles for the calculation of conversion factors. Based upon measured dose profiles, two appropriate photon spectra selected on the basis of measured half value layers, gender specific adult phantoms Adam and Eva, and the Monte Carlo neutron and photon radiation transport code (MCNP), organ and effective dose conversion factors are calculated. To validate the method, a comparison is made between results for measured and calculated beam profiles for a Philips Tomoscan 350. The results in terms of effective dose per slice per unit of CTDI are compared with published data. Relative difference in conversion factors per slice averaged over all slices used for the calculations is 13 +/- 4% between the two spectra, 10.2 +/- 0.2% between measured and calculated beam profiles and 50 +/- 191% between the phantoms of different gender. The relative difference between the averaged results for the Adam and Eva phantoms and published results for a hermaphrodite phantom is on average equal to or less than 15 +/- 13%, depending on the spectrum and beam profile used, although larger differences can occur for specific slices. It is concluded that CTDI to effective dose conversion factors can be derived on the basis of measured beam profiles.

Vectorized Monte Carlo photon transport

The results of current research in the development of a Cray algorithm for time-dependent Monte Carlo photon radiation transport is presented. The method that has been developed is a fully vectorized particle-vector scheme. This technique tracks groups of particles simultaneously using a vector-stack formalism based upon particle events. Timing comparisons between this algorithm and the traditional single-particle approach are presented.