Limitations (and merits) of PENELOPE as a track-structure code

J. FERNANDEZ-VAREA; G. GONZALEZ-MUÑOZ; M. E. GALASSI; K. WIKLUND; B. LIND; A. AHNESJÖ; N. TILLI

Estocolmo

Workshop; International workshop in Monte Carlo computational methods in radiation track simulation and applications in physical, biological and medical sciences (MC2010); 2010

The limitations of PENELOPE as a track-structure code are outlined, paying attention to the way in which inelastic collisions of electrons are modelled and the ensuing implications for microdosimetry analysis. An ad hoc modification of PENELOPE is summarized where ionization and excitation of liquid water by electron impact is simulated using tables of realistic differential and total cross sections. The code is linked to another one that transports light ions. The usefulness of these approaches is shown with two examples.ad hoc modification of PENELOPE is summarized where ionization and excitation of liquid water by electron impact is simulated using tables of realistic differential and total cross sections. The code is linked to another one that transports light ions. The usefulness of these approaches is shown with two examples.