Monte Carlo codes such as the Los Alamos MCNP neutron photon transport code and EGS4 electron gamma transport code are being used to determine dose distributions within phantoms and patients, with the aim of introducing such techniques for treatment planning. Monte Carlo techniques are also used for detector response modelling and microscopic dose distribution models of biological cells. During radiation treatment of patients it is important to know the depth dose distribution of each component of the radiation field. The group recently began investigating dosimetry using micron sized silicon structures for surface dose measurements on medical linacs, and for microdosimetry on the cellular scale. This research is relevant to applications of silicon detectors in high energy physics and medical imaging.
Many galaxies appear to be undergoing recent, enhanced star formation.
Several of the larger low surface brightness galaxies show unusual structures associated with tidally induced star formation. The continuum emission and gas dynamics of these galaxies is being studied using the Australia Telescope. Protostars and Jets Stars are born in dense molecular clouds. Supersonic mass loss plays a major role in the early evolution of most young stellar objects. Studies of outflows at radio and infrared wavelengths are being conducted to understand the earliest outflow phase of star formation.