Calculation of Photoneutron Contamination of Varian Linac in ICRU Soft-Tissue Phantom Using MCNPX Code

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research was to calculate the fluence, dose equivalent (DE), and kerma of thermal, epithermal and fast photoneutrons separately, within ICRU soft-tissue-equivalent phantom in the radiotherapy treatment room, using MCNPX Monte Carlo code. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 18 MV Varian Linac 2100 C/D machine was simulated and desired quantities were calculated on the central axis and transverse directions at different depths. Results: Maximum fluence, DE and kerma of total photoneutrons on central axis of the phantom were 43.8 n.cm-2.Gy-1, 0.26, and 3.62 mGy.Gy-1, at depths 2, 0.1, 0.1 cm, respectively. At any depth, average of fluence, DE and kerma in the outer area of the field were less than the inner area and in general were about 72%, 52%, and 45%, respectively. Conclusion: According to this research, within the phantom; variation of fluence, DE and kerma in transverse direction were mild, and along the central axis at shallow area were sharp. DE of fast photoneutrons at shallow and deep areas were one order of magnitude greater than thermal photoneutrons.