Geant4 simulations for sedimentary grains in infinite matrix conditions: The case of alpha dosimetry

Simulations based on the Geant4 toolkit have been performed in order to reproduce the electromagnetic interactions of alpha particles in a spherical grain embedded in an infinite radioactive matrix and to assess several dosimetric parameters; updated alpha attenuation factors have thus been calculated for a clay matrix. Their sensitivity to the chemical composition of both the coating matrix and the grain, as well as to the water content of the matrix, has also been investigated. Finally, differences between the energetic spectrum of the incident alpha particles and the deposited energy spectrum in the grain have been highlighted for fine and coarse grains, and their impact in terms of alpha dosimetry has been discussed.