View source for Linear energy transfer

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The quotient of <math>dE</math> by <math>dl</math>, where <math>dE</math> is the mean energy lost by the charged particle due to electronic interactions in traversing a distance <math>dl</math>, thus:

<math>
L = \frac{dE}{dl}
</math>

The unit of linear energy transfer is joule per metre J m<sup>-1</sup>, often given in keV μm<sup>-1</sup>.

[[High linear transfer radiation]]: Radiation with capacity, by its own or by the secondary radiations it generates, of linear energy transfer higher than around 10 keV μm<sup>-1</sup>. Normally high LET radiation is assumed to include protons, neutrons and alpha particles (or other particles of similar or greater mass) except for protons having energies greater than around 4 MeV.

[[Low linear energy transfer radiation]]: Radiation with low linear energy transfer (LET), normally assumed to comprise photons (including X rays and gamma radiation), electrons, positrons and muons. High energy (>4 MeV) protons are considered to be a low LET radiation.

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== Previous glossary entries ==

=== from [[ICRP Publication 131]], 2015 ===