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New National Air-Kerma Standard for Low-Energy Electronic Brachytherapy Sources

Published

Author(s)

Stephen M. Seltzer, C M. O'Brien, Michael G. Mitch

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to document the NIST air-kerma measurement standard for the electronic brachytherapy sources, i.e., the Axxent sources of Xoft, Inc., which operate at tube potentials of 50 kV and anode currents of 300 μA. The use of such sources requires basic dosimetry to ensure the delivery of the desired absorbed dose in the target. Details of the identification of a NIST standard and the required development of the instrument’s corrections factors are provided in this report. Results of the air-kerma comparison between two primary NIST x-ray standards that validates the corrections are provided, as well as the acceptance of a transfer instrument that can be used by secondary calibration facilities or users of the Axxent sources to provide traceability of the measurement of air kerma.
Citation
Journal of Research (NIST JRES) - 119.022
Report Number
119.022
Volume
119

Keywords

electronic brachytherapy sources, air-kerma standard, low-energy x-rays, free-air ionization chamber, correction factors, dosimetry

Citation

Seltzer, S. , O'Brien, C. and Mitch, M. (2014), New National Air-Kerma Standard for Low-Energy Electronic Brachytherapy Sources, Journal of Research (NIST JRES), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/jres.119.022 (Accessed November 21, 2024)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact reflib@nist.gov.

Created October 6, 2014, Updated November 10, 2018