ISET-R News Letter
Aug. 1, 2014 Vol. 4, Issued By Onda Lab, University of Tsukuba
http://www.ied.tsukuba.ac.jp/hydrogeo/isetr/

ISET-R Projects for Fostering Young Researchers

Visits to IAEA headquarters, CTBTO,and research laboratories in Seibersdorf.

IAEA headquarters
Since fiscal 2013, we’ve been supporting young
researchers to improve their quality by offeringresearch experiences in different research fields
through visits to research laboratories.
For the first time this year, we held a tour toIAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)
headquarters in Vienna and research laboratories inSeibersdorf on April 25, 2014. Total of nine young
researchers and students participated in this tour.
Here’s a report by the participants.
Schedule for the IAEA tour
9:00 -12:00 Visit IAEA Headquarters
14:00 -16:00 Visit research laboratories inSeibersdorf■IAEA headquarters: Whole body counting
system and radiation detector
We received explanations on equipment
measuring internal and external exposure to radiation.

Canberra’s bed-type whole body counter
This whole body counting system with twoHPGe detectors is large enough for two grown-up
men to lie down. The system automatically moves
and scans through a subject on the bed andmeasures radioactivity of the subject body (runningtime: 40 minutes). The system can provide
information on type, intensity, and location ofradionuclides found in the body. An anatomical
model of the human body is used as a standard.
Calibration method using this human body model
is vital in keeping measured values accurate.
Two types of measuring equipment wereintroduced: survey meters for alpha, beta, andgamma emitters to indirectly monitor internal
exposure and personal cumulative dosimeter wornby staff members to monitor external exposure. It
was emphasized that both current dose andcumulative dose should be monitored. Even thoughISET-R News Letter, Volume 4

Ge detector placed in
the rooftop laboratory
The filter is compressed
to a circulate plate at apressure of 20t.

the current dose level is low, it will be as
dangerous as high radiation when exposed for along time.
Visit to CTBTO headquarters
CTBTO (Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban
Treaty Organization) is aimed at banning nuclear
testing and explosions according to the CTBT. Theinternational monitoring system consists of 321monitoring stations in 89 countries to detect any
signs of nuclear explosions. Those stations include
seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound, andradionuclide stations.

Measurement equipment
for radionuclides in the air
SPARAX collects air andmeasure radioactive xenon int h e a i r. S A U N A d e t e c t s
low-level radioactive xenon inthe air.
Laboratories in Seibersdorf
These laboratories prepare and provide
standard samples for isotopic measurements. We
observed facilities and equipment for preparing
standard samples and measuringalpha/gamma-emitting radionuclides.
ALMERA Network (Analytical Laboratories for
the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity)
ALMERA was established in 1995 andconsists of 138 laboratories representing 80
countries worldwide. Korea Institute of Nuclear
Safety is the regional coordinating laboratory for
the Asia-Pacific region. The ALMERA network
members can take workshops and technicaltraining held by ALMERA network regarding
environmental radioactivity measurement methods.

Locations of the CTBTO monitoring stations
for radionuclides

Rooftop monitoring equipment at IAEA
headquarters
Collectors for suspended particles in the air
The dust filter in the dome collects suspended
particles in the air.

Reported by Honda, Sakakibara, Taniguchi,
Wakiyama (University of Tsukuba)
The participants commented that the tour wasa wonderful and valuable experience for them, andwere especially fascinated by the CTBTO
monitoring system.
We will continue to offer interesting programs,so please visit our website for latest information.
ISET-R Project for fostering young researchers
Website http://www.ied.tsukuba.ac.jp/hydrogeo/isetr/wakate.html
ISET-R（Coordination Committee） Center for Research in Isotopes and Environmental Dynamics
Office：1-1-1 A-405 Tennodai TSUKUBA, IBARAKI 305-8572
TEL＆FAX：+81-29-853-4226

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