Monte Carlo validation in the diagnostic radiology range

The present paper aimed to the validation of Monte Carlo simulation codes already developed by the reporting team, for the study of photon transport and absorption in scintillator materials. Comparisons are reported between the developed codes, MCNP developed codes and other published data. First, the mean number of interactions for each incident photon was determined and compared to the published data. Agreement to within ±1.5% was achieved. Second, the depth of energy deposition in water was assessed for three monoenergetic X-ray beams (15, 20, 30 keV). The energy deposited in slabs of water phantoms of varying depths was tallied. Excellent agreement within ±2% was achieved, except that for 15 keV were a more rapid drop with increasing depth was found. Second, spatial distribution of the energy absorption due to scatter radiation was assessed. Good agreement (below ±5%) with published data was achieved. Third, a water slab with thickness 5, 10, 15, 20 cm was modeled, irradiated by a monoenergetic narrow beam of photons of various energies. Last, the lateral spread of energy deposition was assessed in a 1 cm thick slab in the center of an 8 cm thick water phantom, irradiated by a 50 keV narrow beam. Again, good agreement (below ±2%) was achieved.