Monte Carlo modeling of coherent scattering: influence of interference

Abstract

In this study, the authors present Monte Carlo (MC) simulation results for the intensity and angular distribution of scattered radiation from cylindrical absorbers. For coherent scattering the authors have taken into account the effects of interference by using new molecular form factor data for the AAPM plastic materials and water. The form factor data were compiled from X-ray diffraction measurements. The new data have been implemented in the authors' Electron Gamma Shower (EGS4) Monte Carlo system. The hybrid MC simulation results show a significant influence on the intensity and the angular distribution of coherently scattered photons. It is concluded that MC calculations are significantly in error when interference effects are ignored in the model for coherent scattering. Especially for simulation studies of scattered radiation in collimated geometries, where small angle scattering will prevail, the coherent scatter contribution is highly overestimated when conventional form factor data are used.