Ion-counting nanodosimetry: a new method for assessing radiation damage to DNA

A novel nanodosimeter is described, based on ion counting. It provides precise model-evaluation of radiation-induced ionization patterns in small condensed-matter volumes of nanometric size. The nanodosimeter consists of a millimetric, low-pressure, wall-less gas cell, serving as an expanded model of a nanometric condensed-matter volume. The method can also be employed for the assessment of radiation damage to advanced nanoelectronics.