A computer code package for Monte Carlo photon-electron transport simulation - Comparisons with experimental benchmarks

A computer code package (PTSIM) for particle transport Monte Carlo simulati on was developed using object oriented techniques of design and programming . A flexible system for simulation of coupled photon, electron transport, f acilitating development of efficient simulation applications, was obtained. For photons: Compton and photo-electric effects, pair production and Rayle igh interactions are simulated, while for electrons, a class II condensed h istory scheme was considered, in which catastrophic interactions (Moller el ectron-electron interaction, bremsstrahlung, etc.) are treated in detail an d all other interactions with reduced individual effect on electron history are grouped together using continuous slowing down approximation and energ y straggling theories. Electron angular straggling is simulated using Molie re theory or a mixed model in which scatters at large angles are treated as distinct events. Comparisons with experimentally benchmarks for electron t ransmission and bremsstrahlung emissions energy and angular spectra, and fo r dose calculations are presented. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All right s reserved.