The spatial distribution of positron-emitting nuclei generated by relativistic light ion beams in organic matter

Abstract

The range distributions of positron emitters generated during the stopping process of relativistic light ions in organic matter exhibit a pronounced maximum near the range of the primary particles. The shape of this distribution can be qualitatively understood from a simple Monte Carlo approach of the stopping, fragmentation and decay processes. These results offer the possibility of beam monitoring by means of PET techniques during the tumour therapy with a light ion beam. Furthermore, a refinement of this technique may allow the actual dose distribution to be calculated from PET data.