Modelling the absorbed dose rate of the beta standard BSS2 147Pm source

Abstract

The dosimetric measurements of 147Pm beta radiation beams have limitations due to their low energy, low dose rate, great dispersion and attenuation in air or tissue. In this work, the Monte Carlo model was developed for a 147Pm absorbed dose rate determination. This model consists of an extrapolation chamber and a 147Pm beta radiation source. Moreover, the absorbed dose rate was determined by experimental measurements and the MCNP Monte Carlo code was used. The relative number of particles that crossed the radioactive source window and the particles that crossed the extrapolation chamber entrance window were determined. The source fluence spectrum was also determined. The results of the simulation and the experimental calculations are in agreement with the absorbed dose rate from the PTB calibration certificate. The results obtained are considered acceptable, and they agree within the uncertainties. The difference between the experimental result and that from the Monte Carlo model, compared to that from the calibration certificate, was only 0.8% in both cases.