Beta-efficiency of a typical gas-flow ionization chamber using GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulations

Abstract

GEANT4 based Monte Carlo simulations have been carried out for the determination of efficiency and conversion factors of a gas-flow ionization chamber for beta particles emitted by 86 different radioisotopes covering the average-b energy range of 5.69 keV-2.061 MeV. Good agreements were found between the GEANT4 predicted values and corresponding experimental data, as well as with EGS4 based calculations. For the reported set of b-emitters, the values of the conversion factor have been established in the range of 0.5×1013-2.5×1013 Bqcm-3/A. The computed xenon-to-air conversion factor ratios have attained the minimum value of 0.2 in the range of 0.1-1 MeV. As the radius and/or volume of the ion chamber increases, conversion factors approach a flat energy response. These simulations show a small, but significant dependence of ionization efficiency on the type of wall material.

Keywords

• ionization chamber
• gas-flow
• efficiency
• GEANT4 simulations