Evaluation of the uncertainty in calculating nanodosimetric quantities due to the use of different interaction cross sections in Monte Carlo track structure codes

Biological effects induced by diverse types of ionizing radiation are known to show important variations. Nanodosimetry is suitable for studying the link between these variations and the patterns of radiation interactions within nanometer-scale volumes, using experimental techniques complemented by Monte Carlo track structure (MCTS) simulations. However, predicted nanodosimetric quantities differ among MCTS codes, primarily because each code employs distinct molecular-scale particle interaction models. This multi-code study examines these variations for low-energy electrons (20-10,000 eV), which play a critical role in energy deposition and biological effects by virtually all types of ionizing radiation.…