Applications of the inverse Monte Carlo method in photon beam physics

Photon beams are used in a variety of applications, for instance to measure properties of materials and to produce or induce changes within materials. The measurement process typically requires that inverse methods be employed to obtain the desired properties from radiation responses, whereas the use of photon beams to activate or deposit energy in samples often requires system design optimization. We report here on the use of the Inverse Monte Carlo method to solve inverse and optimization problems involving photon beams. This method benefits from being able to be applied in complex situations (e.g., multidimensional geometries) and from being relatively computationally efficient, since the simulation is noniterative. (orig.)