Terra / Btx Radiation Safety Exam

Terra / BTX uses X-rays to produce the desired X-ray diffraction pattern or X-ray fluorescence spectrum.  These X-rays are produced from:

Radiation which has sufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms in materials through which the radiation passes is called ionizing radiation.  Examples of ionizing radiation include all but:

The damaging effects of radiation depend not only on its intensity and duration, but also the type of radiation.  For instance, 1 millicurie of tritium a centimeter from the body poses a much different hazard than 1 millicurie of phosphorus-32 a centimeter from the body. Consequently, it is often preferable to measure radiation by describing the effect of that radiation on the materials through which it passes.  The units for biological effects of radiation are:

The amount of radiation exposure allowable is defined by the international commission on radiological protection (ICRP). 

The fundamental principle in radiation protection is that all radiation exposures should be maintained as low as reasonably achievable. This is referred to as the ALARA principle. The three key factors which influence an individual's radiation dose from a given source are (check all that apply):

Radiation control for instruments, such as Terra / BTX is controlled by the US Federal government for instruments operated in the United States.

It is not necessary to contact your local radiation protection control authority (State, Federal, etc) in order to operate your Terra or BTX.

Terra / BTX when operated properly does not produce measurable radiation on any external surface of the instrument.

Terra / BTX feature multiple interlock circuits, which prevent the possible operation of the X-ray generating source when these interlocks are activated.

Should an interlock circuit activate, an amber light will display on the main instrument panel.

InXitu expects that the operator will need to remove the acess panel in order to properly use the instrument. That is, the instrument has user-serviced parts inside.

Terra / BTX has the ability to perform the following experiments except:

Terra / BTX have been designed such that proper operation will not result in any radiation exposure.