Unit of absorbed dose to water

Absorbed dose to water, D_w, is the fundamental quantity in the dosimetry for radiation therapy. The unit of absorbed dose to water is the Gray (1 Gy = 1 J/kg). By measuring the radiation-induced temperature rise in water, D_w can be realized most directly and with low uncertainties for a variety of therapeutically relevant radiation species and radiation conditions. The working group 6.23 operates and develops divers water calorimeters for this purpose.

• Absolute determination of absorbed dose to water for therapeutically relevant radiation types and radiation conditions:
  • for high-energy photon and electron radiation (k_Q determination of ionization chambers)
  • for medium energy X-rays (70 kV - 280 kV)
  • for HDR brachytherapy sources
  • for hadron radiation (cooperation with DKFZ/HIT Heidelberg: PhD and master projects)

• Research and development in the field of water calorimetry

• Operation of a water calorimeter as a primary standard measuring device for the realization of the unit of absorbed dose to water in the ⁶⁰Co reference field
• Measurement and calibration capabilities

• Calorimetric determination of the absorbed dose to water
  
• Primary standard measuring device
  
• Further applications
  
• Calendar