Linear energy transfer

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

$L = \frac{dE}{dl}$

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

See high linear energy transfer radiation and low linear energy transfer radiation.

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