PTB's reference fields for the testing of dosemeters in pulsed X-ray radiation fields meet the specifications of the new ISO/TS 18090-1

After the publication of ISO/TS 18090‑1 in August 2015, PTB's facility for the testing of dosemeters in pulsed X‑ray radiation fields (20 keV to 100 keV) was characterized and evaluated once again on the basis of this specification. Thereby, the parameter range (400 µs to 10 s) was determined in which – in accordance with this specification – this facility is considered as a reference facility for pulsed X‑ray radiation.

Since 2009, PTB has operated a facility for the testing of dosemeters in pulsed radiation fields and has developed corresponding test procedures and criteria for the suitability of dosemeters in such of radiation fields. Because of this, the first dosimeters could be tested for the suitability of their use in pulsed radiation fields and the results could be published.

One problem became very clear in the resulting discussions with international scientists: There was no uniform definition of the term "pulsed radiation".

PTB has taken on this problem and was in charge of drafting Technical Specification ISO/TS 18090‑1 "Radiological protection - Characteristics of reference pulsed radiation - part 1: Photon radiation". This specification defines the term "pulsed radiation" and describes the attributes which a pulsed reference X‑ray facility should meet – and how it can be checked. This specification was drafted based on measurement results that were determined on two independent, pulsed X‑ray facilities (PTB, LNE‑LNHB). Both facilities cover the typical parameter range of the X‑ray facilities used in medical settings.

Now that such an international technical specification exists, it is easier to compare and to discuss the results.

After the publication of ISO/TO 18090‑1 in August 2015, PTB's facility for testing dosemeters in pulsed radiation fields was characterized and evaluated once again on the basis of this specification. Thereby, the parameter range was determined in which – in accordance with this specification – this facility is considered as a reference facility for pulsed X‑ray radiation.

Contact

O. Hupe, Department 6.3