Monte Carlo dosimetry using Fluka code and experimental dosimetry with Gafchromic EBT2 and XR-RV3 of self-built experimental setup for radiobiological studies with low-energy X-rays.

The aim of this research was to simulate self-built experimental setup for radiobiological research using X-ray diffraction C-tech tube and PW 3830 generator (PANalytical, Netherlands) and to calculate absorbed dose and to compare it with experimental dose measurements. The maximum X-ray energy was 60 keV. Petri dish was specially adapted to hold biological cells during the irradiation process. Rotation of Petri dish ensured radiation homogeneity and effectiveness of rotation process was confirmed using EBT2 Gafchromic film. Monte Carlo simulation using Fluka 2011 2c.4 was used to model the setup and to calculate dose absorbed by live cells. The EBT2 and XR-RV3 Gafchromic films were used to estimate relative experimental absorbed dose. The radiation homogeneity provided values with maximum deviation equal to ±3.5% from the average value and the absorbed dose rate was 0.9 Gy/min using simulation process and 1 Gy/min or 0.8 Gy/min using experimental methods (XR-RV3 and EBT2 Gafchromic film, respectively). All dose rate values show metrological compatibility. Influence of specially constructed Petri dish on absorbed dose was determined using simulations that showed that low-energy photons, emitted as characteristic line from borosilicate glass forming component of Petri dish, were source of increase in dose absorbed by cells. This experimental setup will be used to conduct radiobiological research.HighlightsA low-energy X-ray system constructed for radiobiological studies was used.Dosimetry was based on a Monte Carlo simulation using Fluka 2011 code version 2c.4.A specially designed rotating Petri dish ensured the uniformity of the radiation distribution.Gafchromic EBT2 and XR-RV3 films were used to experimental dosimetry.Monte Carlo and experimental dosimetry showed metrological compatibility.