Optimization of the Penelope code in F language for the simulation of the X-ray spectrum in radiodiagnosis

The computational simulation to obtain the X-ray spectrum in the range of radio-diagnosis, allows a study and advance knowledge of the transport process of X-rays in the interaction with matter using the Monte Carlo method. With the obtaining of the X-ray spectra we can know the dose that the patient receives when he undergoes a radiographic study or CT, improving the quality of the obtained image. The objective of the present work was to implement and optimize the open source Penelope (Monte Carlo code for the simulation of the transport of electrons and photons in the matter) 2008 version programming extra code in functional language F, managing to double the processing speed, thus reducing the simulation time spent and errors when optimizing the software initially programmed in Fortran 77. The results were compared with those of Penelope, obtaining a good concordance. We also simulated the obtaining of a Pdd curve (depth dose profile) for a Theratron Equinox cobalt-60 teletherapy device, also validating the software implemented for high energies. (Author)