Photon attenuation simulation of external gamma radiation in different absorbing media

Abstract

The interaction of external gamma radiation with different absorbing media was simulated using the photon attenuation equation, also known as the Beer-Lambert Law. The values for the mass attenuation coefficients, density-thickness and build-up factors of each medium were given in tables from reliable sources. The absorbing media studied were the skin (soft tissues), water, concrete, iron, and lead. From the resulting simulations, the skin was the weakest radiation barrier; while concrete, lead and iron offer effective shielding.