The course provides the basics of the simulation of the transport of charged and neutral particles in matter through practical examples relevant in the field of medical physics. Moreover, the course provides an introduction to artificial intelligence techniques for experimental and applied physics, such as simulation with Geant4, a toolkit for simulating the passage of particles through matter.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of object-oriented languages C and C++, as provided in the course "Metodi informatici della Fisica". Basic knowledge of radiation-matter interaction and of Monte Carlo techniques
Teaching Methods
Oral lectures, assisted by presentations, that will be made available to students in pdf format on the Kiro platform, and examples developed live on the computer (hands-on).
Assessment Methods
Practical/Oral examination. The student is required to develop a personal project in a selected field of interest, aimed at applying the methodologies learned during the course. During the oral exam, the chosen case study, the simulation mode, the strategies adopted, the results and the impact of the simulation for the understanding of the problem will be discussed. Knowledge of specific topics included in the course program will also be probed.
Texts
Teaching materials provided by the lecturers - Koenig, Moo, Accelerated C++, Addison Wesley - Manuals of the principals Monta Carlo simulation codes
Contents
The course is divided into 2 modules: - Simulation techniques with Geant4 (I. Vai). The tools required to write and run a Geant4 simulation of an experimental setup in the research field of interest for the students will be provided. Several examples of Geant4 applications in experimental and applied physics will be shown. - Simulation techniques radiation transport in matter and dosimetry (S. Bortolussi). The basis will be provided to be able to independently face the resolution of practical problems starting from the construction of geometries, the definition of radiation sources and finishing with the calculation of relevant physical quantities in medical physics.
Course Language
English
More information
The lecturers are available to receive students to further discuss the course topics upon request, in presence or on-line. For students who can certificate the impossibility to be present in class, the lecturers will provide additional materials for the exam preparation.
