Characterization of an X-ray irradiation system (Hitachi MBR-1618R-BE) based on Monte Carlo simulations for biomedical study

X-rays have been widely used in experiments for biomedical studies. To obtain reliable dose-response data, it is important to understand the characteristics of the X-ray beams delivered to biological samples. In this study, we confirmed the dosimetric characteristics of an X-ray irradiation system (Hitachi MBR-1618R-BE) based on Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using the Electron Gamma Shower (EGSnrc) code and its derivative programs (BEAMnrc, BEAMDP, and DOSXYZnrc). The dose rates at different source-to-sample distances from 250 to 550 mm were calculated and compared with the experimental values. The MC-simulated dose distribution was compared with off-axis dose profiles measured using a radiochromic film (Gafchromic EBT-XD). The simulated mean-energy spectrum of the 160 kVp X-rays showed an overall agreement (