The tail of the electron beam depth dose distribution is a result of which effect?

The correct answer is Bremsstrahlung radiation. In the context of electron beam therapy, the tail of the depth dose distribution refers to the gradual decrease in dose as the depth increases beyond the electron range. This phenomenon is primarily influenced by the interaction of electrons with matter, where Bremsstrahlung radiation plays a significant role.

When high-energy electrons travel through a material, they can be deflected by the electric fields around atomic nuclei. This deflection leads to the production of low-energy photons, known as Bremsstrahlung radiation. As the electrons penetrate deeper into the tissue, they lose energy, and the interactions produce additional secondary photons that can contribute to dose deposition at greater depths. As a result, the dose distribution exhibits a tail beyond the expected range of the electron beam, which is essentially due to the build-up of Bremsstrahlung radiation effects.

Other effects such as Compton scattering, the photoelectric effect, and pair production have different implications in the context of radiation interactions. While Compton scattering does impact the distribution of radiation energy and may affect dose profiles, it is not the primary reason for the tail in the electron depth dose curve. The photoelectric effect is more relevant at lower energy levels and primarily influences the interaction with high atomic