Radiation Physics Core (RPC)

The Radiation Physics Core (RPC) provides scientific and technical expertise and resources ionizing radiation research and development.  Specific areas include radiation oncology, radiation countermeasures, radiation skin injury, and radiation biological effects. Areas of expertise include oncology imaging, small field and focal delivery of radiation, and radiation bioeffects.  The RPC will work closely with the Translational Imaging Program (TIP) for preclinical studies that use both radiation and imaging.

Core Equipment List

The RPC has dedicated research irradiators for preclinical radiation research with cells, tissues, small animals and large animals. Research protocols must have the appropriate IACUC- and/or biosafety-approved protocols. The irradiators are operated on behalf of the researcher, and with training, certain irradiators may be operated independently by the researcher.

Irradiators and Tools for Preclinical Research

• The SmART+ image-guided x-ray unit - with targeted radiation beams and cone-beam CT (CBCT) image guidance for precise radiation delivery to small animals, as well as irradiations for cells, tissues and materials – Location, Basement NRC Building
• The XRAD-320 x-ray unit - a higher dose rate, larger field size and versatile 300 kV x-ray irradiator for small animals, cells, tissues and materials – Location, 1st Floor, Biotech Place
• Unique Strontium-90 beta irradiator for preclinical radiation skin injury studies
• Coming Soon in 2025: High energy linear accelerator for large animals – Location, PRIMIR Facility, Clarkson Campus

Clinical Devices and Tools for Human Research

• The RPC is available to assist in human IRB-approved research protocols that use the radiation delivery resources in the Department of Radiation Oncology
• These radiation resources include imaging devices for radiation treatment simulations and radiation devices for treatment delivery

Core Services Offered

• Physics expertise and consultation for the development and implementation of preclinical research proposals and protocols (IACUC, Biosafety) and if desired, human research proposals and clinical trials (IRB)
• Radiation dose computation, measurement and assessment.
• Training on the nature of ionizing radiation and the design of radiation research studies
• Training on the operation of small animal irradiators – depending on the complexity of the research study, an individual user may be credentialed for operating the x-ray irradiator
• Cell and tissue preclinical radiation research – assisting the researcher with study parameters and irradiations
• Small and Large animal preclinical radiation research - assisting the animal researcher with study parameters and irradiations
• Large/conformal field radiation (whole body / organ), and focal radiation (specific, small targets)
• Planning and consultation for strategic research uses of  irradiation resources, including image-guided radiation delivery
• Physics support of research using ionizing radiation