Standardization of cesium-137 gamma-ray sources in terms of exposure units (Roentgens)

Abstract

137Cs gamma-ray sources, which have been proposed by the Public Health Service as a substitute for radium in the treatment of malignant diseases, require suitable calibration if consistency is to be achieved in radiation treatment. Several 137Cs sources were calibrated using a graphite cavity ionization chamber in an open-air geometry. The contribution of scatter from the room surfaces was calculated and the source measurements corrected for this effect. A large-volume aluminum-walled ionization chamber was designed and fabricated for use in routine calibrations. This chamber will be used as a means for intercomparison of the source to be calibrated with one of the standards.