Toward the elucidation of biomolecular damage in liquid water near tracks caused by ion beams

Abstract

In recent years, to advance particle beam cancer treatment, there has been fundamental research to understand the biological effects of radiation at the atomic level. Here, we show some recent results of the basic process of biomolecular damage in liquid water caused by ion beams. In the experiments of this research, we used a biomolecular solution target introduced to the vacuum by a liquid molecular beam or microdroplet method. Secondary ion mass spectrometry is applied to measure the fragments of biomolecules emitted from a target irradiated with an ion beam. The experimental and simulation research determined the energy range of secondary electrons involved in damaging biomolecules in liquid water caused by ion beams. The damage process for secondary electrons near the ion track is described.