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: |
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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. |
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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. |
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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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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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NIST Conferences
NIST Visitor Info
General NIST inquiries:
Public Inquiries Unit:
(301) 975-NIST (6478)
TTY (301) 975-8295 |
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