Study of the attenuation properties of materials for the development of a thyroid-neck simulator

The estimation of the activity retained in the human body by means of in vivo measurements requires the use of calibration factors obtained with physical-anthropomorphic simulators. The development of phantoms through 3D technology becomes a cost-effective option. However, previous studies are necessary to select the tissue equivalent materials to be used, taking into account the mass attenuation coefficient as the most relevant criterion. In this context, series of measurements were performed using a ¹³³Ba standard point source, by varying the type and thickness of the material. It is concluded that, for the energy range evaluated, the ABS presented the most suitable properties for such application. (author)