Radionuclide Calibrator

Learning outcomes

• Understand the operation of a radionuclide calibrator and its constituent parts.
• Understand the term calibration factor.
• Explain the factors affecting the response of an ionisation chamber.
• Use the specifications of a range of radionuclide calibrators to recommend the most appropriate in a given situation.
• Understand the importance of traceability to activity measurement.
• Understand the calibration of secondary standard radionuclide calibrators against primary standards, and field instruments against reference instruments.
• Use a range of strategies to derive calibration factors and dial settings, taking into account the geometries of source and chamber.
• Use copper filters appropriately in the measurement of beta-emitters and low-energy gamma emitters.
• Be able to perform a range of acceptance and Quality Assurance tests, including linearity, repeatability and accuracy.
• Identify the main sources of uncertainty in radionuclide calibrator measurements.
• Evaluate measurement uncertainty in a given situation for a radionuclide calibrator.