Ionizing Radiation Division

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About the Ionizing Radiation Division
The Division, part of NIST's Physics Laboratory, develops, maintains, and disseminates the national standards for ionizing radiation and radioactivity.

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Research Areas
The Ionizing Radiation Division is divided into three groups:
   
- Radiation Interactions and Dosimetry Group: develops, maintains, and disseminates the national measurement standards for the dosimetry of x rays, gamma rays, and electrons, and engages in research on radiation interactions and effects to meet requirements for new standards and to address the needs of industry, medicine, and government.
   
- Neutron Interactions and Dosimetry Group: develops, maintains, and disseminates accurate standards for neutron dosimetry and neutron interactions measurements, and engages in research on neutron physics metrology to meet future needs.
   
- Radioactivity Group: develops, maintains and disseminates radioactivity standards, develops and applies radioactivity measurement techniques and engages in research on radionuclide metrology to meet future needs.
   

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Online: June 1996
Last update: August 2007

Monte Carlo Calculations in Dosimetry
Monte Carlo Calculations in Dosimetry: NIST graphite-wall cavity-ionization chambers serve as the national standard for air kerma (radiation exposure). Well-defined air-kerma strength, used to calculate dose rates, plays a significant role in industry, ensuring adequate dose in radiation processing (medical device sterilization, bioagent deactivation, etc.). In medical applications, assessing dose rate accurately is critical to effective treatment planning and fulfilling regulatory constraints. Recent wall corrections from Monte Carlo calculations will adjust air-kerma standards world-wide by up to about 1%.
Technical inquiries: Lisa Karam
National Institute of Standards and Technology
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8460
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8460

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