Epp - A C++ EGSnrc user code for Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport

Abstract

Easy particle propagation (Epp) is a Monte Carlo simulation EGSnrc user code that we have developed for dose calculation in a voxelized volume, and to generate images of an arbitrary geometry irradiated by a particle source. The dose calculation aspect is a reimplementation of the function of DOSXYZnrc with new features added and some restrictions removed. Epp is designed for x-ray application, but can be readily extended to trace other kinds of particles.Epp is based on the EGSnrc C++ class library (egspp) which makes modeling particle sources and simulation geometries simpler than in DOSXYZnrc and other BEAM user codes based on EGSnrc code system. With Epp geometries can be modeled analytically or voxelized geometries, such as those in DOSXYZnrc, can be used.Compared to DOSXYZnrc (slightly modified from the official version for saving phase space information of photons leaving the geometry), Epp is at least two times faster. Photon propagation to the image plane is integrated into Epp (other particles possible with minor extension to the current code) with an ideal detector defined. When only the resultant images are needed, there is no need to save the particle data. This results in significant savings of data storage space, network load, and time for file I/O. Epp was validated against DOSXYZnrc for imaging and dose calculation by comparing simulation results with the same input. Epp can be used as a Monte Carlo simulation tool for faster imaging and radiation dose applications.

Comparison of Air-Gaps Effect in a Small Cavity on Dose Calculation for 6 MV Linac

“…The statistical uncertainties [11]. In another study, EGSnrc/ Epp MC codes were at least two times faster than DOSXYZnrc (slightly modified from the official version for saving phase space information of the photons leaving the geometry) [12]. Figure 4 presents the depth-dose values of Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code version 4c (MCNP4c) and Electron Gamma Shower, National Research Council/Easy particle propagation (EGSnrc/Epp) codes in the presence or absence of a 2 mm air gap between the surface of applicators and the tumor bed to estimate the dose fall-offs.…”

“…The performance of EGSnrc/BEAMnrc MC code was compared with MCNP to model Gamma Knife 4C [10] and a 6 MV medical linear accelerator (LINAC) [11]. EGSnrc of different versions such as EGSnrc/easy particle propagation (Epp) and EGSnrc/DOSXYZnrc were also compared using X-ray imaging [12]. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) has been hand and eye guided without treatment planning.…”

“…MCNP4c, written in a FORTRAN programming language, is a general-purpose MC code developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory that can be used for electron, photon, and coupled photon-electron transport [6]. The EGSnrc MC Simulation type Epp is written in a C++ programming language and is based on the EGSnrc C++ class library (egspp) initially developed by the Canadian National Research Council [12]. EGSnrc/Epp models the propagation of particles with kinetic energies between 1 keV and 10 GeV whereas MCNP4c models it between 1 KeV and 1000 MeV.…”

Dosimetric effect of nanoparticles in the breast cancer treatment using INTRABEAM® system with spherical applicators in the presence of tissue heterogeneities: A Monte Carlo study

“…In this study, a Monte Carlo (MC) Simulation type EGSnrc C++ class library (egspp) with its Epp user code was used. Essentially, it is a freely accessible open-source software with ease of use for user input files, customizable material files, flexible in geometry, three dimensional (3D) geometry visualization, faster computation time, particle tracking ability, and ease of documentation [30,31].…”

Epp: A C++ EGSnrc user code for x‐ray imaging and scattering simulations

“…We developed easy particle propagation ͑Epp͒, a user code based on the egspp package, to facilitate the performance of x-ray imaging simulations. 8 Epp provides a user-friendly interface to egspp and some useful additional features. Epp can be used out-ofthe-box and requires no additional programming.…”