LET

Linear energy transfer (LET, radiation energy transfer over distance) is a quantity typical for individual types of ionizing radiation. It gives the energy that a particle or photon imparts, relative to the distance it penetrates the surrounding medium. The overall trajectory of the particle or photon does not matter. The basic unit of LET is J/m. But the LET values ​​are very small, so keV/μm is more often used.

LET value
It is determined by the energy of the radiation entering the environment and its ability to interact with the environment. The unequal ability of individual types of radiation to transfer energy to the environment affects the so-called effective H dose. This is calculated as the original dose D [Gy]  times the radiation quality factor Q. The resulting unit is Sievert [Sv] .
 * LET increases with the charge of the particle, the trajectory is affected by the attractive forces of the surrounding charges. Also, as the  particle size increases, the LET increases, larger particles more often "bumping" into the surroundings.
 * Lower LET shows indirectly ionizing radiation' (neutrons, γ-rays, X-rays). The relationship with size is similar, smaller passes better.
 * For γ, β and X-ray radiation, Q=1;
 * for α radiation with Q=20.

Example


Scheme of LET α particle and β- particle. Although α radiation has more energy, it quickly transfers it to the environment → high LET. β- particle reflects more easily, transmits less energy at the same distance → small LET.

Related Articles

 * Ionizing radiation
 * Interaction of γ radiation with the electron shell
 * Photoelectric phenomenon
 * Compton scattering
 * Electron-positron pairs