Project 1: Physics characterization of TLD-600 and TLD-700
Purpose:
It is suggested that a pair of TLD-600 and TLD-700 can measure the exposure in neutron-photon mix fields. But the basic information of physics characterization of TLD-600 and 700 are not available. The purpose of this study was study the individual TLD variation and the energy dependence of TLD-600 and TLD-700.
Methods:
The individual calibration factors for 52 TLD-600 chips and 51 TLD-700 chips were determined under x-ray beams of 60 kVp, 80 kVp, 120 kVp, a mono-energetic 662 keV gamma beam of a Cs-137 source, and an Am-Be neutron beam (4.4 MeV). The individual calibration factor was calculated as the ratio of the group average response in uC/mR and the individual response in uC/mR. In addition, energy corrections factors for the individual calibration factors were determined, from each of the x-ray beams (60 kVp, 80 kVp, 120 kVp) to the 662 keV Cs-137 gamma beams.
Results:
For TLD-600, the range and relative standard deviation of the individual calibration factors are: 60 kVp (0.94003-1.0927, 3.5369%), 80 kVp (0.9395-1.0867, 3.0952%), 120 kVp (0.83403-1.0796, 4.5732%), 662 keV (0.80465-1.1926, 9.2515% ), AmBe (0.91740-0.94905, 3.0882% ); and the energy corrections factors relative to the 662 keV Cs-137 beams are: 60 kVp (1.2223), 80 kVp (1.1013), 120 kVp (1.0299).
For TLD-700 the range and relative standard deviation of the individual calibration factors are: 60 kVp (0.94351-1.0630, 2.6044%), 80 kVp (0.91690-1.0614, 2.6996%), 120 kVp (0.95697-1.0474, 2.3606%), 662 keV (0.91348-1.2270 , 4.2243%), AmBe (0.79330-1.2268 , 9.1577%); and the energy corrections factors relative to the 662 keV Cs-137 beams are: 60 kVp (1.0373), 80 kVp (0.97661), 120 kVp (0.88532).
Conclusion:
We have measured individual calibration factors and the average energy correction factors for photon beams and Am-Be neutron beams. Our results will be used in the future experiments and measurements with TLD-600 and TLD-700.
Project 2: Acceptance testing of new X-RAD 160 Biological X-Ray Irradiator
Purpose:
An X-RAD 160 Biological X-Ray Irradiator was recently installed at Duke University to serve as a key device for cellular radiobiology research. The purpose of this study is to perform acceptance testing on the new irradiator for operator radiation safety and irradiation specifications.
Methods:
The acceptance testing included tests of the following components: (1) Leakage radiation survey, (2) Half-value layer (beam quality), (3) Uniformity, (4) KVp accuracy, (5) Exposure at varying mA (linearity of mA), (6) Exposure at varying kVp, (7) Inverse square measurements, (8) Field size measurement, (9) Exposure constancy.
The irradiation parameters for each components of first round of acceptance testing performed on September 21, 2012 were: Leakage radiation survey (none, 160 kVp, 18 mA, 200s), Beam quality (40cm, 50-140 kVp in 10 kVp incensement, 1 mA, 10s, none), Uniformity (40cm, 160 kVp, 18 mA, 15s, F1), KVp accuracy (40cm, 50-150 kVp in 10 kVp incensement, 10 mA, 15s, none), Linearity of mA (40cm, 160 kVp, 2-18 mA, 15s, none), Inverse square measurements (20-63cm, 160 kVp, 1mA, 30s, none), Field size measurement (40cm, 160 kVp, 10 mA, 15s, none), Exposure constancy (40cm, 160 kVp, 18 mA, 20s, none).
The irradiation parameters for each components for each components of second round of acceptance testing performed on November 18, 2012 were: Beam quality (40cm, 35-150 kVp, 1 mA, 10s, F1) , KVp accuracy (40cm, 35-150 kVp, 1 mA, 10s, F1), Variation of kVp (40cm, 160 kVp, 18 mA, 30s, F1), Linearity of mA (40cm, 160 kVp, 1-18 mA, 30s, F1), Uniformity (40cm, 160 kVp, 18 mA, 30s, F1), Inverse square measurements (20-63cm, 160 kVp, 18 mA, 30s, F1).
Results:
The first round of acceptance testing performed on September 21, 2012 failed due to the fact that the measured exposure along the X-axis was significantly non-uniform; the exposure greatly decreases going in the left direction, which is a clear indication of un-corrected anode heel effect. After the X-ray tube was returned to the manufacturer, the beam was reconfigured by tilting the X-ray tube. Another round of acceptance testing was performed on December 18, 2012.
Conclusion:
The acceptance testing fulfilled the initial purpose. The machine is currently used normally In the following experiments; routine maintenance and quality assurance (QA) are required.
