SPECTRA OF SECONDARY NEUTRONS, ALPHA, BETA AND GAMMA PARTICLES EMERGING ACROSS RADIATION PROTECTION SHIELDING OF A PARTICLE THERAPY CENTER
Mimoza FEJZULLAHI IZAIRI, Redona BEXHETI, Mimoza RISTOVA
Abstract
This study presents a comparative analysis of secondary particle spectra emanating from radiation shielding at a particle therapy center. Employing an innovative protective method, concrete-soil sandwich walls with varying soil layer thicknesses (ranging from 150 to 350 cm) were examined for characterization of their shielding capacity. This research was inspired by the shielding design principles of the MedAustron particle therapy facility. Monte Carlo simulations using FLUKA were conducted to model the transport of therapeutic proton or C-ion beams directed at an Average Human Body Phantom (AHUBO), employing 108 primary particles at their maximum therapeutic energies (250 MeV for protons and 430 MeV/u for C-ions), to investigate the secondary fluxes of neutrons, alpha, beta, and gamma particles. The analysis was conducted within a simplified spherical geometry representing the treatment chamber wall, facilitating the respective spectral characteristics. This research contributes to the development of radiation protection methodologies, emphasizing sustainability and performance optimization for future particle therapy centers. By studying the impact of primary particles on parameters such as neutron flux, dose equivalent, neutron spectrum, alpha particles, beta, and gamma particles, the aim is to design a "green" shielding solution tailored to the needs of the International Institute for Sustainable Technologies of Southeast Europe (SEEIIST). Furthermore, the feasibility of utilizing concrete sandwich walls filled with locally excavated soil has been explored to potentially reduce concrete usage and minimize soil removal during foundation laying, thus promoting environmental sustainability.
Pages:
498 - 509