The mass energy-absorption coefficient quantifies the fraction of incident photon energy absorbed in a material per unit mass, excluding the energy carried away by scattered photons. This makes it an important parameter in dose calculation.
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Terminology
The mass energy-absorption coefficient is defined as: μen/ρ
where:
μen = energy-absorption coefficient (cm⁻¹), which accounts for only the energy deposited in the material
ρ = material density (g/cm³)
It is expressed in cm²/g, the same as the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), and represents the fraction of energy transferred to the medium, excluding photons that undergo scattering and escape.
It is often confused with the mass attenuation coefficient, which describes the total attenuation property of a material, including both absorbed and scattered photons. The mass energy-absorption coefficient, in contrast, considers only the energy that contributes to dose deposition.
Applications
radiation dosimetry: essential for radiation therapy planning and estimating absorbed doses in biological tissues
radiation protection and shielding design: helps determine the actual energy deposition within shielding materials and personnel exposure levels
nuclear industry safety regulations: used in regulatory assessments to ensure radiation safety compliance
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