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An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Physics Laboratory Fiscal Year 2008 (2008) / Chapter Skim
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Ionizing Radiation Division
Pages 26-32

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From page 26...
... Radiation Interactions and Dosimetry Group The mission of the Radiation Interactions and Dosimetry Group is to advance the accurate and significant measurement of dosimetric quantities important in the radiological sciences through programs in the dosimetry of x-rays, gamma rays, electrons, and other charged particles. The projects in the group are classified in five areas: theoretical dosimetry, quantum metrology, medical dosimetry, homeland security applications, industrial applications, and protection and accident dosimetry.
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From page 27...
... The balance between fundamental research and service activities is approximately equal. While the research makes use of a variety of NIST instruments, the key facility used is the seven neutron beam lines that the group operates at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR)
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From page 28...
... This interaction in turn produces a phase shift as a neutron beam passes through a silicon crystal, near the Bragg angle. Such a measurement would complement nuclear physics measurements made at flagship nuclear physics facilities such as the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.
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From page 29...
... The group's successes derive in part from the successful collaborations established with external users. Two of the group's beam lines are now operated as a user facility, with an informal external advisory/review committee providing advice on priorities and scheduling.
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From page 30...
... Technical Merit Relative to State of the Art The Ionizing Radiation Division's programs are, overall, as good as or better than those in other national and international standards laboratories. Examples include brachytherapy seed and mammography equipment calibrations and fundamental neutron 30
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From page 31...
... The Ionizing Radiation Division develops dosimetric standards based on the SI unit gray; develops neutron standards; develops and provides standards for radioactivity based on the SI unit, the becquerel; and works through strategic alliances, external funding (largely from the DHS) , and links with other national and international metrology institutions.
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From page 32...
... Funding for a major renovation to the existing building or, preferably, a new building, should be established for the Ionizing Radiation Division. Shielded radiation cells should be constructed to house the needed modern radiation equipment and highdose-rate calibration equipment required for industrial-scale dosimetry and medical imaging and calibrations.
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Key Terms

  • beam lines
  • homeland security
  • radiation division
  • neutron interactions
  • neutron lifetime

  • neutron beam
  • radiation interactions
  • service activities
  • physics laboratory
  • medical imaging

  • underlying basic
  • major upgrade
  • experimental equipment
  • counting techniques
  • hall coupled

  • conduct underlying
  • external advisory
  • retirement age
  • physical plant
  • lines efficiently

  • postdoctoral fellows
  • parity violation
  • approaching retirement
  • charge radius
  • imaging facility

  • nuclear medicine
  • security applications
  • extra staffing
  • experimental hall
  • positron emission


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