Linear energy transfer (LET) is the average (radiation) energy deposited per unit path length along the track of an ionizing particle. Its units are keV/μm.
Linear energy transfer describes the energy deposition density of a particular type of radiation, which largely determines the biological consequence of radiation exposure.
The linear energy transfer of a charged particle 2 is ∞ Q2/Ek
- linear energy transfer is proportional to the square of the charge of the particle (Q2)
- linear energy transfer is inversely proportional to the particle's kinetic energy (Ek)
High linear energy transfer radiations: linear energy transfer 3-200 keV/μm
- commonly mediated by:
- greater density of interactions at cellular level
- more likely, than low linear energy transfer, to produce biological damage in a given volume of tissue
Low linear energy transfer radiations: linear energy transfer 0.2-3 keV/μm
- commonly mediated by:
- electrons
- positrons
- gamma rays
- x-rays
- less likely than high linear energy transfer to produce tissue damage in the same volume of tissue
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.