Improved CT-based voxel phantom generation for MCNP Monte Carlo

Abstract

A graphic user interface has been developed to perform the basic and advanced functions required to create CT-based, voxelized patent models for MCNP and MCNPX Monte Carlo simulations. Additional flexibility is enabled in selective tally definition, lattice structure limits, and conversion of CT number to materials. Setting lattice structure limits can reduce or obviate the need for excessive sub-sampling and improve efficiency while preserving model resolution. The patient model, tally definition, and subsequent simulation output are all incorporated in a post-processing routine that enables comparative analysis between calculated and measured datasets. Judicious application of these developments can greatly decrease the time required to achieve a given uncertainty while preserving model detail; use of these tools typically results in reduction of simulation times by over 60%.