NPL's three 60Co self-shielded irradiators are available for the irradiation of dosimeters or investigations and tests of materials. The irradiators provide 60Co gamma-ray fields covering dose rates from 3 Gy min-1 to 120 Gy min-1 (as of January 2016). For the irradiation of samples where the most accurate dose is required, for example as part of a dosimeter calibration exercise, small thermostatically controlled holders are available. These holders enable precise dosing to small volumes at a customer-selected temperature. Depending on the specific holder temperatures between -60°C and +70°C can be achieved. For more general irradiations the full cylindrical irradiation volume of the three irradiators may be used. The volumes are approximately 1700cm3 (12 cm diameter by 15cm high) and 3300cm3 (15cm diameter by 19cm high). Cables can be fed into the irradiation volume if continuous monitoring of the sample is required. Dose distribution studies can be undertaken to determine exact doses and uncertainties at the time of irradiation.
The NPL radiation facilities are complemented with a 3.5 MV Van de Graaf accelerator Neutron source.
