Microdosimetry with micro-pattern silicon devices

Current techniques of cancer treatment using protons and heavy ions (hadrons) are an expanding branch of the external radiation therapy. Characterization of radiobiological efficiency of the hadron beams depends on the knowledge of the energy deposition distributions associated to their track structure. Novel manufacturing techniques led to the fabrication of micrometer-scale instruments for the measurement of such quantities. A 3D diode microdosimeter was tested under radiation sources, proton and carbon beams. The results are consistent with Monte Carlo simulations showing great agreement between them.