Difference between revisions of "Linear energy transfer"
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The unit of linear energy transfer is joule per metre J m<sup>-1</sup>, often given in keV μm<sup>-1</sup>. | 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. | |
'''Return to [[ICRP Glossary|Glossary]]''' | '''Return to [[ICRP Glossary|Glossary]]''' | ||
Revision as of 17:15, 18 August 2021
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-1, often given in keV μm-1.
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-1. 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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