Radiation Physics Division

In addition to our mission to realize the Système International (SI) units for absorbed dose (the gray) and activity (the becquerel), we maintain an active research programs in terahertz spectroscopy, neutron physics, radiation dosimetry, and radionuclide metrology. We are also active in over-arching programmatic efforts in medical physics to support medical imaging and therapeutics, standards and test procedures for chemical/biological/radiation/nuclear/explosives countermeasures in homeland security, measurement assurance and standards to support environmental stewardship and the nuclear energy and radiation industries, and methods in applications of ionizing radiation in advanced manufacturing. We promote the accurate and meaningful measurements of dosimetric quantities pertaining to ionizing radiation (x and gamma rays, electrons, and energetic, positively charged particles) and provide measurement services, standards, and fundamental research to support neutron technology and neutron physics for industrial research and development through neutron dosimetry, calibration of neutron survey instruments, and development of neutron sources. We are also responsible for developing metrological techniques to standardize new radionuclides for research and for exploring radiation and nuclear applications, including through development and distribution of the Standard Reference Materials for radioactivity in the U.S..