The Radiological Health Engineering (RHE) Laboratory includes equipment and space for the development and testing of new instruments and systems for application to specific radiological health problems. Work is concentrated on practical systems and radiation measurements methods deployable within the immediate future.
The laboratory includes a large dark room, a low-background shielded room, an area for gamma ray spectroscopic analysis of large objects, and facilities for bench-top and analytical radiation detection experiments. Low-level (environmental) alpha, beta, x ray, and gamma ray spectroscopic capability is included. Equipment is available for the measurement of radon gas through the counting of charcoal canisters, and for real-time measurements of radon gas progeny in the air. A state-of-the-art thermoluminescent detection (TLD) system capable of reading a variety of dosimeters of different types and forms is operated in the laboratory for the measurement of doses in a variety of conditions. A number of phantoms and survey meters are available for testing of radiological imaging devices and monitoring of radiation environments.
Work is conducted in novel detector and dosimeter design, as well as improvements in measurement methods for medical, industrial, laboratory and nuclear power radiation safety applications.