Radioanalytical (Rad) Lab:
The Rad lab has capabilities to assess the type and amount of radioactivity in almost any type of sample by utilizing the following analysis equipment:
- High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) semiconductor detector for identification and quantification of unknown radioactive samples and low-level environmental samples.
- Liquid Scintillation Counters (LSCs) with both beta and alpha spectroscopy capabilities for measuring low-energy radiation in liquid and contamination swipe samples.
- Gas Flow Proportional detector for low background alpha and beta analysis of air filters.
- Alpha Spectrometer system utilizing a PIPS detector (Passivated Implanted Planar Silicon) detector inside a vacuum chamber for alpha particle analysis.
- Sodium-Iodide (NaI) detector-based in-situ whole body/thyroid counter to assess potential worker internal radiation dose following the inhalation or ingestion of radioactive material.
- NaI-based shielded gamma spectroscopy system used for Radon analysis.
- MicroStar NanoDot dosimetry system to quantify radiation dose in a variety of experimental configurations.
- Variety of portable detection systems for measuring radiation dose, dose rate, alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron activity measurements, laser power measurements, radiofrequency (RF) field measurements, and magnetic field measurements.
- Dedicated radiochemistry lab (N52-446) and fume hood for the preparation of radioactive samples prior to analysis.
The radioanalytical lab participates biennially in a Proficiency Testing and Interlaboratory Cross Check Program, as recommended by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Regulatory Guide 4.15, which meets the requirements of both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization of Standardization (ISO).
Industrial Hygiene (IH) Lab:
The IH Lab is designed as a wet-chemistry space. It is equipped with a chemical fume hood and a specially designed perchloric acid fume hood, equipped with wash-down capability. The hood is designed for use with heated perchloric acid.
The lab is equipped with some basic lab equipment including an array of glassware, a hot plate, a centrifuge, a scale, and a sonicator. The benches are fitted with compressed air and natural gas service. Fume hoods are fitted with natural gas. Storage is available for flammable, toxic, and corrosive chemicals. Deionized water is available.
Some direct reading chemical analysis equipment may be available for use. See the Associate Director of Industrial Hygiene for more information.
Biological (Bio) Lab:
The Bio lab is designed for biological research and can accommodate experiments up to biosafety level 2 (BL2).
It is equipped with biosafety cabinets, benches, and lab equipment (such as glassware, stir/hot plate, centrifuge, incubators, microscope, and autoclave).
Prototyping
The prototyping space provides access to a variety of hand tools, advanced equipment, and resources, ranging from traditional crafting supplies to a suite of 3D printers, laser cutter, water jet, vacuum former, 4-axis mill, lathe, etc. The operation of the space aims to foster a sense of community by encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and learn new skills through a group of highly skilled mentors. Whether it’s woodworking, electronics, robotics, or any other hands-on endeavor, these spaces empower people to experiment, prototype, and transform their concepts from ideation to impact.