Physics Laboratory Overview

[skip navigation] NIST Physics Laboratory home page Overview go to NIST home page NIST Physics Laboratory home page Products and Services Physical Reference Data Research Areas / Divisions Contact us Search the Physics Laboratory webspace
Ionizing Radiation Div. icon

IONIZING
RADIATION
DIVISION
(Gaithersburg, MD)

Lisa R. Karam, Acting Chief
Tel 301 975 5584
Fax 301 869 7682
The Ionizing Radiation Division provides national leadership in fundamental research and measurement standards for all types of ionizing radiation, including x rays, gamma rays, electrons, neutrons, energetic heavy charged particles, and radioactivity. The Division's extensive domestic and international collaborations in applied research help to make ionizing radiation effective in industrial and health applications, and provide needed standards for radiation protection and environmental radioactivity.

Major programs

  • Establish and maintain the national standards for ionizing radiation

  • Supply transfer standards and measurement quality assurance for ionizing radiation reference laboratories

  • Conduct electron-beam materials processing research and medical dosimetry research at the NIST Medical-Industrial Radiation Facility (MIRF)

  • Employ neutron interferometry and optics for research in quantum physics

  • Standardize and determine properties of radionuclides for nuclear medicine

  • Develop measurement methods for environmental radioactivity management

  • Conduct research on electron-paramagnetic-resonance dosimetry

  • Provide critically evaluated cross section data for the interaction of ionizing radiation with materials

  • Develop neutron spin filters and polarization analyzers.

Collaborations with industry

  • Standards and traceability for radiopharmaceuticals and for nuclear power radiochemistry

  • Neutron measurement methods and standards for safety assurance at nuclear power-plants and defense facilities

  • Industrial radiation processing technology and measurements

  • Advanced dosimetry systems for industry, health care, and worker protection

  • Apply neutron radiography and tomography to industrial imaging

  • Innovative measurement technology for environmental radioactive waste management

  • Medical and industrial x-ray radiography

  • Standards and measurements for brachytherapy sources used in therapeutic radiology.
Return to Introduction

Division Home Page

NIST: National Institute of Standards and TechnologyNIST Physics Laboratory HomeTechnical ActivitiesStaff Organization Inquiries or comments: Feedback
Online: November 1994   -   Last update: July 2004