Bragg peak
Bragg Peak
Bragg Peak (/bræg pi:k/) is a term used in radiation therapy to describe the point at which ionizing radiation delivers its maximum energy to a specific depth in the body. The term is named after William Henry Bragg and his son, William Lawrence Bragg, who first described the phenomenon.
Etymology
The term "Bragg Peak" is derived from the names of British physicists William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg. The father and son team conducted extensive research on ionizing radiation, which led to the discovery of this unique energy distribution pattern.
Definition
In radiation therapy, the Bragg Peak is the point at which a beam of ionizing radiation, such as protons or heavy ions, delivers its maximum energy to a specific depth in the body. This peak occurs because as the particles travel through tissue, they slow down and interact more with the atoms they pass, depositing more energy. The energy deposition then rapidly decreases after this point, reducing damage to healthy tissue beyond the target area.
Related Terms
- Ionizing radiation: High-energy particles or waves that can detach electrons from atoms, ionizing them.
- Radiation therapy: A treatment method that uses ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
- Proton therapy: A type of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of x-rays to treat cancer.
- Heavy ion therapy: A type of radiation therapy that uses heavier ions, such as carbon ions, to treat cancer.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bragg peak
- Wikipedia's article - Bragg peak
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