Abstract
Geant4 is a versatile simulation platform for numerous applications involving transport of ionizing radiation, including ionizing photons. Moreover, the physics needed for tracking optical photons is also embedded in the Geant4 simulation toolkit. From its introduction two decades ago there have been a variety of reports concerning the use of the Geant4 code in optical photons transport applications. Further to this, in particular for the interests herein, characterizations of radioluminescence radiation detectors have also been conducted. Noting the rapid development of such detectors, reliant on light collection and detection, there has been an implicit need for optimization of the different components forming the respective optical devices. Compared to ionizing radiation transport modeling less attention has been paid to this capability among the radiation physics community and Geant4 users. This review first describes in brief terms the physics built into Geant4 to provide for the transport of optical photons. This is followed by a retrospective on reported applications, discussion of the strengths and deficiencies of optical transport analyses by Geant4 and contemplation of possible future applications.
•Geant4 simulation platform also has the capability to simulate optical photons besides simulating the ionizing photons.•Description of Geant4 physics for transport of optical photons and ionizing photons.•Current and potential applications simulated using Geant4 for tracking optical photons.•Strengths and deficiencies of optical transport analyses by Geant4.