Track-structure codes in radiation research

Monte Carlo track-structure simulation provides a near accurate description of the passage of charge particle in water as a surrogate for biological tissue. Radiation transport codes and Monte Carlo track-structure codes are widely used in radiation biophysics, dosimetry and microdosimetry, clinical radiotherapy, in space radiation program and accelerator design and research. Over the past decade the number of Monte Carlo track codes simulating a variety of different types of radiations has increased rapidly. In this paper we provide a review of recent progress in the development of particle track simulation for electron, low-energy light ions and finally the recent model development for the low-energy electron cross-sections in liquid water. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.