Structure of the icosahedral Ti-Zr-Ni quasicrystal

The atomic structure of the icosahedral Ti-Zr-Ni quasicrystal is determined by invoking similarities to periodic crystalline phases, diffraction data and the results from ab initio calculations. The structure is modeled by decorations of the canonical cell tiling geometry. The initial decoration model is based on the structure of the Frank-Kasper phase W-TiZrNi, the 1/1 approximant structure of the quasicrystal. The decoration model is optimized using a new method of structural analysis combining a least-squares refinement of diffraction data with results from ab initio calculations. The resulting structural model of icosahedral Ti-Zr-Ni is interpreted as a simple decoration rule and structural details are discussed.Comment: 12 pages, 8 figure

Measurements of the 12^{12}C Ion Beam Microdosimetric Characteristics

The results of experimental studies of the $^{12}$C ion beam with the primary energy of 500 MeV/amu from the JINR Nuclotron are presented. Depth-dose distributions have been measured by means of a diamond detector. The spectra of the linear energy transfer (LET) were studied at various beam penetration depths at several points from the beam entrance up to the region behind the Bragg peak by means of chemically etched track detectors. The track parameters were measured by means of an automatic optical image analyzer LUCIA-G based on a Leitz microscope. The value of the relative biological weighted effectiveness (RBWE), characterizing the value of the RBE during tumours radiotherapy, was calculated from the measured LET spectra on the basis of a biological weighting function. RBWE increases with the depth in the phantom, reaching the maximum value of about 3 just before the Bragg peak. Afterwards it decreases rather rapidly, which is to be considered when extended tumours are to be treated

E18-2007-91 SIMULATIONS OF PROTON BEAM DEPTH-DOSE DISTRIBUTIONS

Rajcan M., Molokanov A. G., Mumot M. E18-2007-91 Simulations of Proton Beam Depth-Dose Distributions Proton beams are successfully used in radiotherapy. A correct modiˇcation of beam parameters enables to spare normal surrounding tissues from radiation action. Our work is focused on passive beam-shaping techniques, which are used to modify the proton beam properties. The beam passes through the scattering system, which consists of scattering materials, energy degraders, drift spaces and collimators. In order to model the proton beam transport through the scattering system, the new Monte Carlo (MC) computer code Track has been developed. The code Track can predict output proton beam parameters modulated by various system adjustments and helps to optimize them. It calculates a beam proˇle, creates beam emittance diagram at a speciˇed position of the system and predicts proton beam depthdose distribution in a water phantom. In addition it calculates beam losses on individual components. We present a physical model of the beam transport calculations and algorithm implemented in a code Track. We compared the Track code calculations of depth-dose distributions in water phantom with experimental data and with a set of MC calculations in the FLUKA code. The accuracy of simulation results and calculation time in Track code are observed

Measurements of Spatial Dose Distributions of Proton Beam with the Use of Radiochromic Films

A radiochromic film (RCF) is investigated for use in proton beam dosimetry in a water phantom. Investigations have been performed to measure the sensitivity of the RCF and its dependence on changing energy of the beam and on linear energy transfer (LET). Experiments were carried out with both unmodulated and modulated proton beams. The results show that the sensitivity of the RCF decreases with increasing LET and this effect increases errors of measurements for lower energies of the beam. Nevertheless, the radiochromic film seems to be an adequate detector for dosimetry in phantom measurements where high spatial resolution is required. The correction of the film sensitivity in the Bragg peak region is advisable