Multi-site TEPC-type particle detector

Tissue-Equivalent Proportional Counters (TEPCs) simulate the response of biological tissues to radiation, making it possible to accurately assess the effects of ionizing radiation on the human body. The developed detector is an innovative TEPC that aims to measure at sites of different size without changing the gas density. This new device will offer a multi-site, and therefore more complete, characterization of the quality of the radiation field.  

How does it work?

The main innovation of the detector is the use of electrodes to define two coaxial volumes for charge collection without changing the gas pressure in the detector. The principle of use is what makes this detector and the data obtainable from it so innovative.
The innovation in the two coaxial-site measurement also allows its peculiarity to be exploited in research applications where the composition of radiation fields is to be studied in more detail. The invention also has the ability to discriminate the fragments produced by nuclear reactions during interaction with biological matter.

Applications

• multi-site quality control practices in clinical centres;
• one possible application is in BNCT.

Advantages

• almost-simultaneous measurements at two different sites by varying only the electric field between two electrodes;
• makes it possible to investigate a wider range of simulated volumes than the previous static gas detectors.