Laboratory X-Ray Irradiator for Cellular Radiobiology Research Studies: Dosimetry Report

Dosimetry measurements were performed on a 50 kVp laboratory x-ray irradiator for cellular radiobiology research. The measurements were done with a parallel-plate ionization chamber, which had a thin aluminized-mylar window. and an extrapolation chamber. Intercomparison of dosimetry data from the two independent methods showed excellent agreement. Results are presented for radiation dose rate, uniformity, and beam quality for operation of the tungsten target, beryllium window x-ray tube at 50 kVp, 20 mA, and with filters either 0. 012 mm, 0.180mm, or 0.633 mm thick, for arrays positioned at a range of distances from the x-ray tube. The data in this report establish a dosimetric link between the cellular radiobiology research to be performed at AFRRI with the 50 kVp laboratory x-ray irradiator and the landmark work performed by Elkind and Sutton 1960 with a similar device.