Investigating the air kerma rate constant for 241Am through first principle calculations and simulation. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Joanna; Gräfe, James L.
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 168(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Am-241 air kerma rate constant -- Exposure rate constant -- Specific gamma constant; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109482
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: The air kerma rate constant is important for estimating radiation dose and shielding calculations to ensure radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Currently, there are significant deviations in this constant reported for 241 Am by various institutions. Therefore, through first principle calculations and simulation, we investigate the air kerma rate constant for 241 Am based on photon energies and emission probabilities reported in literature. Highlights: Air kerma rate constants widely vary in literature, especially for 241 Am. Accuracy of radiation dose calculations rely on the air kerma rate constant, which depends on precise photon emission data. Using a high energy threshold may omit low energy photons that contribute significantly to the air kerma rate constant.