Re: Flash X-rays

[rkathren@tricity.wsu.edu (ron kathren)]

Ken --

I have had experience with flash x-rays many years past.  Your assessment is
correct; I have never heard of reduced shielding required because of less
cellular damage, or for any other reason.  Remember, these cannot be
measured with integrating ionization chambers because of recombinatrion
effects, so something like film or TLD must be used.

Call me (509-3756-5643) if I can be of further help.

Ron Kathren

>I received a request for information about radiation protection requirements
>for use with 'flash' x-rays. The gentleman who called said this would use
>x-ray plses in the MeV range with a duration of less than a microsec per
>pulse but with enough intensity to produce an exposure of normal density. My
>reaction was that the requirements would depend on the total radiation
>exposure (or workload) similar to a normal x-ray device. He said he
>remembered vaguely from some previous work that such short pulses somehow
>reduced the need for shielding, perhaps by producing less damage in the cell. 
>
>Does anyone have any experience with flash x-rays or know of any special
>protection requirements?
>
>Thank you for your help.
>
>Ken
>
>Ken Douglass, Ph.D.
>Interim Radiation Safety Officer
>West Virginia University Hospitals, Inc.
>West Virginia University
>P.O.Box 8150
>Morgantown WV 26506
>kendoug@wvnvm.wvnet.edu
>
>
>