The feasibility of using Ytterbium 169 as a high dose rate brachytherapy source with local catheter shielding was investigated using Monte Carlo simulation software MCNP5. The spectra of Yb-169 and Iridium 192 point sources were simulated through gold, platinum, and stainless steel 304 shields of varying thicknesses from .5-10 mm in a narrow beam geometry. The Yb-169 spectrum was also simulated through a phantom of gold nanoparticle infused tissue to determine the feasibility of using infused tissue as a shield out of catheter. The Yb-169 spectrum was effectively shielded by gold and platinum at .5 mm compared to Ir-192, while the gold nanoparticle infused tissue was ineffective as a shield.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Arnold, John Richardson

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050114-082045

Advisor

• Medich, David Christopher

Year

• 2014

Date created

• 2014-05-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Physics

Rights statement

• In Copyright