A variable-energy electron microbeam: a unique modality for targeted low-LET radiation

We have designed and constructed a low-cost, variable-energy low-LET electron microbeam that uses energetic electrons to mimic radiation damage produced by gamma and X rays. The microbeam can access lower regions of the LET spectrum, similar to conventional X-ray or 60Co gamma-ray sources. The devic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inRadiation research Vol. 164; no. 5; p. 695
Main Authors Sowa, Marianne B, Murphy, Mark K, Miller, John H, McDonald, Joseph C, Strom, Daniel J, Kimmel, Gregory A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.11.2005
Subjects
Electrons
Linear Energy Transfer
Radiobiology - instrumentation
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Summary:We have designed and constructed a low-cost, variable-energy low-LET electron microbeam that uses energetic electrons to mimic radiation damage produced by gamma and X rays. The microbeam can access lower regions of the LET spectrum, similar to conventional X-ray or 60Co gamma-ray sources. The device has two operating modes, as a conventional microbeam targeting single cells or subpopulations of cells or as a pseudo broad-beam source allowing for direct comparison with conventional sources. By varying the incident electron energy, the target cells can be selectively exposed to different parts of the energetic electron tracks, including the track ends.
ISSN:0033-7587
DOI:10.1667/rr3463.1