An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Physics Laboratory Fiscal Year 2010 (2010) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
4 Ionizing Radiation Division
4 Ionizing Radiation Division
Pages 26-32
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 26... ...
These standards are disseminated by means of calibrations and proficiency testing services provided to maintain quality assurance and traceability. The projects in the group are classified in six areas: theoretical dosimetry, quantum metrology, medical dosimetry, homeland security applications, industrial applications, and protection and accident dosimetry.
|
From page 27... ...
Two new projects of major need for the nation with respect to the safety of patients and technicians are calibration and dosimetry for part- and whole-body diagnostic studies and the calibration and ongoing monitoring of external radiation therapy (linear particle accelerators [LINACs] producing beams of x-rays, electrons, and, more recently, protons and heavier charged particles for conventional and conformal delivery systems, and cobalt-60 [Co-60]
|
From page 28... ...
The Low-Level Radiochemistry Program is involved in many research projects dealing with analysis of low levels of radioactivity. These include the investigations of methods for radionuclide speciation in soil, techniques for isolation in the characterization of various radioactive particles in cells and sediments, the development of rapid radioactivity screening methods for emergency situations, including approaches to assess internal contamination by radionuclides that are difficult to measure.
|
From page 29... ...
A new development, first in the world, is neutron phase contrast imaging. The contrast mechanisms leading to good target-tobackground images are based on material property changes associated with stressed metals or the carbon/hydrogen composition of biological objects.
|
From page 30... ...
Examples include the neutron radiography and basic physics programs, the development of standards and calibration techniques in which the results obtained generally agree extremely well with those of other laboratories, and calibration programs supporting advanced medical imaging techniques such as PET/CT. Assessment Relative to Adequacy of Resources Budget The funding of the Ionizing Radiation Division is not adequate at this time, when the need for its services is increasing.
|
From page 31... ...
Assessment Relative to Achievement of Stated Objectives and Desired Impact The Ionizing Radiation Division is recognized worldwide for its expertise in the measurement of standards related to radiation. The mission, projects, and performance of the Ionizing Radiation Division are good.
|
From page 32... ...
NIST in general and the Ionizing Radiation Division in particular need to develop a mechanism whereby the critical standards work of importance to the nation receives the necessary funding to maintain quality standards assessments.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.