A novel beta source design for uniform irradiation in dosimetric applications

Abstract

A novel beta radiation source, specifically developed for the lexsyg luminescence system, was studied by radiochromic film. A circular arrangement of miniaturized sources creates a homogeneous radiation field, with a variation of 2% of radiation dose across the central 8 mm diameter of the target irradiated. While this arrangement is very efficient to achieve homogeneous irradiation, it also allows the simultaneous luminescence detection of radiofluorescence through the hole in the source body. The geometry of the irradiation set-up, in particular the material, the size and the shape of the substrate carrier affect the actual dose distribution and dose rate at the target site to a larger extent than any inhomogeneity of this source itself.