National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

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Hopewell Designs, Inc. became involved with NIST in 1998 when we upgraded two X-Ray irradiator systems with our automated software and computer controllers. One system operates their 100 kV and 300 kV X-Ray ranges. The second system controls the Mammography X-Ray range. In addition, we supplied the wide angle free air chamber (WAFAC) and control system. The WAFAC is the primary standard for the calibration of brachytherapy seeds used for the treatment of cancer. Over the years we have assisted NIST by adding more automated analysis software, enhanced report generation, and additional error checking.

Installed at this site:

Triple Axis Experiment NCNR Shields The NIST Center for Neutron Research provides a laboratory where researchers may perform a variety of experiments involving controlled neutron radiation. Hopewell Designs, Inc. is providing specialized, portable, ALARA shielding to ensure the safety and comfort of the researchers. General Purpose Movable Neutron Shields with Acoustic Insulation Wide Angle Free Air Chamber (WAFAC) The Wide Angle Free Air Chamber (WAFAC) measures the activity of radioactive seeds used in the treatment of cancer. The WAFAC is the national standard for this type of radioactive measurement. Hopewell Designs, Inc. upgraded this system by supplying a new automated ion chamber, a new computer control system, and extensive automation software. The software controls seed characterization, which consists of taking a series of measurements, analyzing the results, and generating a report. 100/300 kV X-Ray Range Instruments sent to NIST for calibration to X-Ray beam codes are calibrated on one of two X-Ray ranges. Hopewell Designs, Inc. assisted NIST in a complete overhaul of these ranges by supplying a new automated computer control system. Our software controls the X-Ray voltage, positions the instruments being calibrated, controls the exposure time, reads the electrometers, analyzes the data, and generates a calibration report. Mammography X-Ray Range Instruments used for monitoring mammography X-Ray systems must be traceable to NIST; NIST calibrates these instruments on the Mammography X-Ray Range. Hopewell Designs, Inc. supplied a new automated controller for this system. Phantom Calibration Range NIST is in the process of developing a national standard for phantoms which are used to calibrate whole-body counters. The Phantom Calibration Range consists of a four-axis Linear Positioning System with a 1000 pound capacity, a gamma spectroscopy system, and associated shielding. The computerized control system automatically positions the track and collects gamma spectra.

Hopewell Designs, Inc. 5940 Gateway Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-667-5770 / FAX 770-667-7539 sales@hopewelldesigns.com