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Introduction: Values for the CTDIvol, which is displayed on scanner consoles, give doses relative to a phantom much larger than most Thai patients, and the CTDIvol does not take account of differences in patient size, which affect organ doses. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate relationships for size specific dose estimate (SSDE) and volume weighted computed tomography (CT) dose index (CTDIvol) with patient size for CT scanners operating under automatic tube current modulation (ATCM). Methods: Retrospective data from 244 patients who had undergone abdomen and pelvis examination on GE and Siemens CT scanners were included in this study. The combination of anteroposterior (AP) and lateral dimensions at the level of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) was used to represent patient size. Image noise within the liver was measured, and values of the absorbed dose for organs covered by the primary beam such as the liver, stomach and kidney were calculated using methods described in the literature. Values of CTDIvol were recorded and SSDE calculated according to the American Association of Physics in Medicine (AAPM) Report No.204. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between SSDE, CTDIvol, image noise and patient size. Results: SSDE is 20%-50% larger than the CTDIvol, with values for larger patients being more representative. Both the CTDIvol and image noise decreased with patient size for Siemens scanners, but the decline in SSDE was less significant. For the GE scanner, the CTDIvol was a factor of 3-4 lower in small patients compared to larger ones, while the SSDE only decreased by a factor of two. Noise actually decreased slightly with patient size. Conclusion: Values of SSDE were similar to the doses calculated for the liver, stomach and kidney, which are covered by the primary beam, confirming that it provides a good estimate of organ-absorbed dose.

Doses to the eyes of interventional radiologists and cardiologists could exceed the annual limit of 20 mSv proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Lead glasses of various designs are available to provide protection, but standard eye dosemeters will not take account of the protection they provide. The aim of this study has been to derive dose reduction factors (DRFs) equal to the ratio of the dose with no eyewear, divided by that when lead glasses are worn. Thirty sets of protective eyewear have been tested in x-ray fields using anthropomorphic phantoms to simulate the patient and clinician in two centres. The experiments performed have determined DRFs from simulations of interventional procedures by measuring doses to the eyes of the phantom representing the clinician, using TLDs in Glasgow, Scotland and with an electronic dosemeter in Gothenburg, Sweden. During interventional procedures scattered x-rays arising from the patient will be incident on the head of the clinician from below and to the side. DRFs for x-rays incident on the front of lead glasses vary from 5.2 to 7.6, while values for orientations similar to those used in the majority of clinical practice are between 1.4 and 5.2. Specialised designs with lead glass side shields or of a wraparound style with angled lenses performed better than lead glasses based on the design of standard spectacles. Results suggest that application of a DRF of 2 would provide a conservative factor that could be applied to personal dosemeter measurements to account for the dose reduction provided by any type of lead glasses provided certain criteria relating to design and consistency of use are applied.

The examination of surface charges within dye-sensitized solar cells containing copper(I)-based dyes has proved to be difficult due to the instability of these systems compared with existing commercial dyes. We report the use of scanning electrochemical microscopy in a setup in which homoleptic [Cu(Lancillary)2]+ complexes are used as the electrolyte to investigate a series of [Cu(Lanchor)(Lancillary)]+ sensitizers. The ligands Lanchor and Lancillary are 6,6′-disubstituted 2,2′-bipyridines. By incorporating sensitizers and electrolytes containing the same ligands, changes in the diffusion layer around the scanning electrode have been used to map the substrate surface both in the dark and under controlled illumination. Examination of the changes in current as a constant potential is applied shows the formation of stable surface charge as the cell components equilibrate. Comparison of the time taken for this stabilization to occur as ancillary or anchoring ligands within the dye and electrolyte are varied shows a significant dependence upon the aliphatic substituents in the 6,6′-positions of the ligands that surround the copper(I) center.

Methods for high-throughput validation of cell components for use in dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are needed as the global production of such cells becomes widespread. We have carried out preliminary investigations into the use of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) for high-throughput screening of materials. By coupling the technique of SECM with a light source, we have examined the surface charge of non-earthed pseudo-DSCs under variable light conditions and screened substrates by varying the working electrode potential. By studying the surface currents in a series of tests in which one or more component of a DSC were varied, the effect of TiO2, dye and iodide/triiodide electrolyte on the surface characteristics have been examined.

Automatic tube current modulation (ATCM) systems are now used for the majority of CT scans. The principles of ATCM operation are different in CT scanners from different manufacturers. Toshiba and GE scanners base the current modulation on a target noise setting, while Philips and Siemens scanners use reference image and reference mAs concepts respectively. Knowledge of the relationships between patient size, dose and image noise are important for CT patient dose optimisation. In this study, the CT patient doses were surveyed for 14 CT scanners from four different CT scanner manufacturers. The patient cross sectional area, the tube current modulation and the image noise from the CT images were analysed using in-house software. The Toshiba and GE scanner results showed that noise levels are relatively constant but tube currents are dependent on patient size. As a result of this there is a wide range in tube current values across different patient sizes, and doses for large patients are significantly higher in these scanners. In contrast, in the Philips and Siemens scanners, tube currents are less dependent on patient size, the range in tube current is narrower, and the doses for larger patients are not as high. Image noise is more dependent on the patient size.

The formation of images in diagnostic radiology involves a complex interdependence of many factors. The ideal balance is to obtain an image which is adequate for the clinical purpose with the minimum radiation dose. Factors which affect radiation dose and image quality can be grouped under three headings; radiation quality, photon fluence and removal of scattered radiation. If optimal performance is to be achieved, it is necessary to understand how these factors influence image formation and affect radiation dose, and apply methodology for image quality and dose analysis at each stage in the development and use of X-ray equipment.

The influence of the angular response of radiometer probes on measurements of irradiance in ultraviolet phototherapy has been studied. Irradiance measurements were made using nine ultraviolet (UV) radiometers employed by phototherapy centres in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and compared with measurements made using two spectroradiometers. The light sources used were UVB TL01 fluorescent lamps, arranged in different geometries. Irradiances within TL01 whole body treatment cabinets were assessed based on a comparison with one of the spectroradiometers. The results show variations of 50% in cabinet irradiance measurements made by different radiometers, even when they were calibrated using the same source geometry and spectroradiometer. Differences in radiometer probe design and construction lead to an under- or over-response at angles of incidence greater than zero. Angular responses of different probes were assessed using banks of fluorescent lamps. The differences found are large enough to account for the variations in measurements of cabinet irradiance. The variations in irradiance measurements are significant in terms of planning and monitoring patient exposure during TL01 phototherapy. Accurate dosimetry can only be achieved if radiometer probes have a good cosine response and recommendations are made for better calibration techniques.

A dose limit for the eye of 20 mSv, as proposed by the ICRP, could be exceeded by interventional clinicians. Data on eye dose levels for interventional radiologists and cardiologists provided by medical physicists from hospitals around the UK have been collated. The results indicate that most hospitals would require one or more interventional clinicians to be classified and several would have exceeded a 20 mSv limit. Dose data in the literature have been reviewed to derive factors that might be used to predict eye dose levels based on dose per procedure or kerma-area product workload. These could be used in prior risk assessments to establish monitoring practice. An alternative approach to personnel dose monitoring in radiology applications using a collar dosimeter worn outside the lead apron as the first dosimeter is proposed. The collar dosimeter would provide an assessment of eye dose in terms of Hp(3) and body dose in terms of Hp(10), which could be divided by ten to provide an assessment of effective dose. If Hp(3) exceeded 1 mSv per month, regular monitoring with a head dosimeter would be recommended, and if Hp(10) exceeded 2 mSv per month, then an under-apron dosimeter should also be worn.

Computed tomography (CT) scanning rooms and interventional x-ray facilities with heavy workloads may require the installation of shielding to protect against radiation scattered from walls or ceiling slabs. This is particularly important for the protection of those operating x-ray equipment from within control cubicles who may be exposed to radiation scattered from the ceiling over the top of the protective barrier and round the side if a cubicle door is not included. Data available on the magnitude of this tertiary scatter from concrete slabs are limited. Moreover, there is no way in which tertiary scatter levels can be estimated easily for specific facilities. There is a need for a suitable method for quantification of tertiary scatter because of the increases in workloads of complex x-ray facilities. In this study diagnostic x-ray air kerma levels scattered from concrete and brick walls have been measured to verify scatter factors. The results have been used in a simulation of tertiary scatter for x-ray facilities involving summation of scatter contributions from elements across concrete ceiling slabs. The majority of the ceiling scatter air kerma to which staff behind a barrier will be exposed arises from the area between the patient/x-ray tube and the staff. The level depends primarily on the heights of the ceiling and protective barrier. A method has been developed to allow tertiary scatter levels to be calculated using a simple equation based on a standard arrangement for rooms with different ceiling and barrier heights. Coefficients have been derived for a CT facility and an interventional suite to predict tertiary scatter levels from the workload, so that consideration can be given to the protection options available.

This paper describes experiences in the introduction of computed radiography systems to hospitals within the West of Scotland. Setting of automatic exposure control levels has enabled dose-area product values to be maintained at 160 cGy cm² for lumbar spine antero-posterior (AP), 250 cGy cm² for lumbar spine lateral, 210 cGy cm² for pelvis AP and 260 cGy cm² for abdomen AP. The study looks at dose levels achieved after 8 y in use and compares the dose levels found from surveys undertaken in 2007 and in 2010. The effects of raising tube potentials on image quality in terms of details and on contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were assessed. The results showed that CNR details seen in test images at tube potentials of 85-90 kV did not differ significantly from those with lower potentials and gave lower entrance surface doses.

The results of large-scale computed tomography (CT) patient dose surveys from the USA, UK and Germany undertaken during the period 1999-2001 were reviewed. The mean values for volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDI(vol)) and dose length product (DLP) were extracted. For head CT examinations, the reported values for the three surveys were similar with a mean CTDI(vol) of 59±6 mGy and a mean DLP of 760±90 mGy cm. For the body, the values for CTDI(vol) in the USA (21±5 mGy) were nearly double those in the European countries (12±2 mGy). Average head CTDI(vol) values are comparable with the diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) recommended by the European Commission and the UK Health Protection Agency, but lower than the value of 75 mGy, which is currently used in the USA. DRLs for abdominal imaging are nearly a factor of 2 lower in the UK (14 mGy) than in other parts of the European Community and the USA (25 mGy).

UVR phototherapy cabins exist in a huge variety of configurations and geometries. An accurate dose model has been developed which can be used to examine the question of cabin design to investigate factors influencing dose on a patient.This work extends the existing dose model to entire cabins and investigates how cabin and reflector geometry influence resultant dose.The model predictions are in line with what is measured. It is found that the length and angle of the reflectors have a large influence on received dose.The influence of cabin geometry is important in estimating patient dose, and the findings of this work are applicable to future cabin designs.

The specification of shielding for CT facilities in the UK and many other countries has been based on isodose scatter curves supplied by the manufacturers combined with the scanner's mAs workload. Shielding calculations for radiography and fluoroscopy are linked to a dose measurement of radiation incident on the patient called the kerma-area product (KAP), and a related quantity, the dose-length product (DLP), is now employed for assessment of CT patient doses. In this study the link between scatter air kerma and DLP has been investigated for CT scanners from different manufacturers. Scatter air kerma values have been measured and scatter factors established that can be used to estimate air kerma levels within CT scanning rooms. Factors recommended to derive the scatter air kerma at 1 m from the isocentre are 0.36 µGy (mGy cm)(-1) for the body and 0.14 µGy (mGy cm)(-1) for head scans. The CT scanner gantries only transmit 10% of the scatter air kerma level and this can also be taken into account when designing protection. The factors can be used to predict scatter air kerma levels within a scanner room that might be used in risk assessments relating to personnel whose presence may be required during CT fluoroscopy procedures.

Ultraviolet phototherapy is a widely used treatment which has exceptional success with a variety of skin conditions. Over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can however be detrimental and cause side effects such as erythema, photokeratisis, and even skin cancer. Quantifying patient dose is therefore imperative to ensure biologically effective treatment while minimizing negative repercussions. A dose model for treatment would be valuable in achieving these ends.Prior work by the authors concentrated on modeling the output of the lamps used in treatment and it was found a line source model described the output from the sources to a high degree. In practice, these lamps are surrounded by reflective anodized aluminum in patient treatment cabins and this work extends the model to quantify specular reflections from these planes on patient dose.The extension of the model to allow for reflected images in addition to tube output shows a remarkably good fit to the actual data measured.The reflection model yields impressive accuracy and is a good basis for full UVR cabin modeling.

Effective dose (E) is the only comparatively simple dose quantity that is related to health detriment for stochastic effects from exposure to ionising radiation. As such, E has found wide application for medical exposures, as it allows comparisons with doses from different examinations and other sources. E is derived from the weighted sum of doses to tissues known to be sensitive to radiation from epidemiological studies and contains inherent approximations. Thus it is not a scientific quantity, but a practical one that the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has created for use in the calculation of reference doses for protection purposes. In the application of E to medical exposures, there has been a tendency to attribute a greater accuracy to values of E than is justified by its derivation. Recognising that E is strictly not subject to uncertainties, an analysis has been undertaken of potential uncertainties in E for different nuclear medicine examinations to enable users to judge its reliability as a comparator of relative risk. Assessments have been based on the considered accuracy of the component parts and indicate that the uncertainties in the values of E as a relative indicator of harm for nuclear medicine procedures for a reference patient are about ± 50%. These are larger than those for radiology procedures, because of the tendency for doses to single organs, especially the bladder, to form a substantial part of E for some procedures. Revision of the tissue weighting factors in 2007 produced a 10% decrease in the mean value of E for nuclear medicine examinations. Estimations of cancer risk based on E for an individual could vary by one or two orders of magnitude. E fulfils an important role as a health-related dose quantity that can be used in justification of nuclear medicine examinations, but physicians should be aware of its limitations. General terminology should be used in conveying risks to patients and medical professionals.

With a view to combining the desirable electronic and photochemical properties of hexabenzocoronene (HBC) and the C-C bond forming capabilities of thiophenes, 1-(3-thienyl)-2,3,4,5,6-penta(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)benzene (1) was oxidised using FeCl(3). The resulting products, superaromatic thiophene (2) and its 5,5'-dimer (3), are S-HBC systems and provide a new pair of spectral comparators.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on several factors that affect imaging performance and radiation dose to the patient for X-ray and radionuclide techniques. Several different quantities are used for measuring and evaluating doses to patients in diagnostic radiology and radionuclide imaging. The effective dose is most closely related to the risk associated with radiation. This quantity takes account of doses to radiosensitive organs in different parts of the body and is linked to the risk of stochastic effects such as cancer induction and genetic effects. Dose-area product and entrance surface dose are useful quantities that can be easily applied to monitor, audit, and compare radiation doses from a wide variety of radiological examinations. Effective doses are measured in terms of a unit called the sievert. One sievert (Sv) is a very large dose, and a whole-body dose of 6 Sv is likely to be fatal. Doses for diagnostic examinations are measured in terms of the millisievert (mSv), which is a thousand times smaller. Some organs of the body are more sensitive to radiation than others, and when these more sensitive organs are irradiated, the associated risk will be higher. The ideal set of parameters describing image quality should give a measure of the effectiveness with which an image can be used for its intended purpose. Physical properties that determine the imaging performance of an X-ray system are the resolution and the contrast reproduction of the image receptor, that is, the film/screen system or digital imaging plate on which the image is formed. The ability of the receptor to reproduce differences in the intensity of the transmitted X-rays (or contrast) within the useful range is also important in determining imaging performance.

The effective dose (E) was created to provide a dose quantity that was related to the probability of health detriment due to stochastic effects from exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation. E is derived from the weighted sum of doses to tissues that are known to be sensitive to radiation and so can only be derived by calculation. The tissue weighting factors are derived from the extrapolation of epidemiological evidence. E was intended for use in radiation protection, but has found wide application in evaluation of doses for medical exposures involving only parts of the body. More reliance is often placed on E values and risk estimates based on E than the evidence on which it is based can justify. In this paper, the uncertainties in the estimated values of E for a reference patient and the associated risk coefficients are reviewed in order to provide an indication of how much reliance can be placed on E as an indicator of risk for patients. The relative uncertainty in estimated values of E for medical exposures for a reference patient is seen to be about +/-40%. The estimated risk of cancer may be a factor of three higher or lower when applied to a reference patient, and will be more variable when applied to an individual. A set of recommendations relating to the use of E and description of risk for medical exposures is proposed.

Dosemeters for performance testing of x-ray equipment may utilize semiconductor technology or ionization chambers (ICs). Semiconductor dosemeters incorporate several elements into the detectors from which compensation for variations in response with photon energy is derived. The design of the detectors influences their response with angle and this is different from that of ICs. The responses of semiconductor detectors (SDs) and ICs to x-ray beams with a variety of radiation qualities have been measured in order to assess differences in response. Measurements have been made with experimental arrangements simulating use of the detectors in performance testing of digital radiography and fluoroscopy equipment. Results show that differences in photon energy responses between the detectors are small, but because ICs are sensitive to radiation incident from all angles, they record more scattered radiation than SDs. Implications of differences in detector responses are discussed and recommendations made about their use. SDs are more appropriate for measurements of image receptor doses and are recommended for setting up automatic exposure control devices for digital radiography. ICs are suitable for assessment of patient entrance surface dose rate measurements. Correction factors that could be applied to allow comparisons between measurements with different dosemeters are proposed.

Radiography using film has been an established method for imaging the internal organs of the body for over 100 years. Surveys carried out during the 1980s identified a wide range in patient doses showing that there was scope for dosage reduction in many hospitals. This paper discusses factors that need to be considered in optimising the performance of radiographic equipment. The most important factor is choice of the screen/film combination, and the preparation of automatic exposure control devices to suit its characteristics. Tube potential determines the photon energies in the X-ray beam, with the selection involving a compromise between image contrast and the dose to the patient. Allied to this is the choice of anti-scatter grid, as a high grid ratio effectively removes the larger component of scatter when using higher tube potentials. However, a high grid ratio attenuates the X-ray beam more heavily. Decisions about grids and use of low attenuation components are particularly important for paediatric radiography, which uses lower energy X-ray beams. Another factor which can reduce patient dose is the use of copper filtration to remove more low-energy X-rays. Regular surveys of patient dose and comparisons with diagnostic reference levels that provide a guide representing good practice enable units for which doses are higher to be identified. Causes can then be investigated and changes implemented to address any shortfalls. Application of these methods has led to a gradual reduction in doses in many countries.

The energy responses of digital radiography detectors differ from those of screen-film systems. To provide a consistent level of image quality at different tube potentials automatic exposure control (AEC) devices must be calibrated to suit the energy response of the image receptor with which they are intended for use. AEC calibration for digital radiography systems requires an alternative parameter to optical density, ideally one related to the quality of a digital image. Energy responses of computed radiography (CR) and indirect digital radiography (IDR) image receptors have been calculated, and compared with those for screen-film systems. Practical assessments of the relative sensitivities of a CR detector made using the detector dose indicator (DDI), pixel value and signal-to-noise ratio showed similar variations with tube potential. The DDI has been used to determine the correct kV compensation curve required to calibrate the AECs for the loss in detector sensitivity with tube potential. AECs are set up relative to a predetermined air kerma incident on the detector at 80 kV for CR and IDR systems using this curve and the method used is described. Factors influencing the calibration of AECs for digital radiography including techniques, types of phantom and contributions from scatter are reviewed, and practical methods recommended for use.

Ionizing radiations are x-rays, γ-rays, and small atomic particles that have sufficient energy to ionize atoms. The local deposition of energy involved can damage or kill cells. It may also produce subtle changes in a cell genetic make-up. Much has been learned about effects of radiation from experiments on cell cultures. These experiments have shown that large particle radiations are more damaging than x-rays for the amount of energy released. They have also shown that when similar doses of x-rays are delivered at lower dose rates, less damage is produced because the cells are able to effectively repair much of the damage. The effects of radiation on human populations have been assessed through epidemiological studies of groups exposed to very large doses, such as the survivors of the atomic bombs exploded over Japan. Exposure to large doses of radiation above a certain threshold produces tissue reactions in the short term. Longer-term effects may occur after exposure to low doses of radiation, which are referred to as stochastic effects, as their occurrence is governed by the laws of chance. Stochastic effects are the induction of cancer and of genetic effects. Cancer induced by radiation will not develop until many years after exposure and the risks are greater among those exposed as children. Risks have been estimated from epidemiological studies, by extrapolating dose-response data down to the low doses received by radiation workers, but debate exists about whether the current extrapolation model may be too conservative. Keywords: radiobiology; biological effects; ionizing radiation; x-rays; radiation protection; cancer induction; chromosome mutation; stochastic effects; tissue reactions; radiotherapy

An instrument is described that measures irradiance and the angular distribution of the intensity of ultraviolet radiation sources inside phototherapy cabinets. Failed lamps and lamps with higher or lower outputs are readily identified. The measurements are controlled from outside the cabinet, thus reducing the risk to staff from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

A new technique is described for automated ultraviolet dosimetry within whole-body phototherapy cabinets. A dual-head detector system has been designed, permitting simultaneous assessment of irradiance levels and radiant intensities from individual lamps. One detector is used in combination with a diffuser/filter system for the measurement of irradiance and the other is mounted at the end of a slit collimator to provide a measurement which can be related to the radiant intensities of the individual lamps. These quantities are derived from 800 separate measurements made during rotation of the detector head around a 360 degrees circle at a fixed height and position within the cabinet under remote computer software control. The device has advantages compared with standard techniques, enabling measurements to be made without the need for a person to be present in the cabinet. A full set of measurements is made with minimal switching of the power supply to the lamps. This simplifies the assessment and reduces the uncertainty from variation in output after the lamps are switched on. Variations in irradiance with orientation for the smaller phototherapy cabinets are clearly demonstrated. Plots of data from the collimated detector show peaks corresponding to the lamps and the surrounding reflectors. The plots enable failed lamps to be detected and peak values can be related to radiant intensities of individual lamps.

The directional responses of a range of ultraviolet radiometers commonly used for irradiance measurements of UVB and UVC have been studied. Radiometers with 24 diffuser/filter combinations were assessed using a deuterium source, and three different diffuser/filter designs were assessed using a monochromatic source. The directional responses of the radiometers have been calculated and expressed in terms of figures of merit similar to those described for (photopic) illuminance meters in BS 667 and CIE 69. Those radiometers that performed best for the measurement of both small and extended sources of UVB and UVC had raised PTFE diffusers. We conclude that UV radiometers with a directional response error f2 < 10% are readily available commercially, and that it would be appropriate for future ultraviolet standards to set an upper limit of 5% on f2. This would ensure that the overall uncertainty in irradiance measurements of extended ultraviolet sources is not dominated by the error in the directional response of the radiometer.

The aim in radiology is to obtain images which are adequate for the clinical purpose with the minimum radiation dose to the patient. If optimum performance is to be achieved, assessments of image quality must be made to balance against patient dose. The subjective nature of image interpretation makes an objective approach to such assessment difficult. Methods widely applied involve the use of test objects, which although providing a measure of imaging performance may be difficult to link to clinical image formation. The ideal method for evaluation of imaging techniques is through clinical trials and this should be used to address major questions. Scoring of quality criteria, relating to features observed in a normal clinical radiograph, provides a simple method through which image quality can be assessed in every hospital department.

The syntheses and properties of a series of eleven new [Ir(ppy)2(N^N)][PF6] complexes (Hppy = 2-phenylpyridine) are reported. The N^N ligands are based on 2,2-bipyridine (bpy), substituted in the 6- or 5-positions with groups that are structurally and electronically diverse. All but two of the N^N ligands incorporate an aromatic ring, designed to facilitate intra-cation face-to-face π-interactions between the N^N and one [ppy](-) ligand. Within the set of ligands, 6-(3-tolyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (5), 4,6-bis(4-nitrophenyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (9), and 4,6-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (10) are new and their characterization includes single crystal structures of 9, and two polymorphs of 10. A representative [Ir(ppy)2(N^O)](+) complex is also described. We report solution NMR spectroscopic, photophysical and electrochemical properties of the complexes, as well as representative solid-state structural data. The solution (1)H NMR spectroscopic data illustrate different dynamic processes involving the substituents attached to the bpy domain in the ligands. In degassed MeCN and at room temperature, the [Ir(ppy)2(N^N)][PF6] complexes are orange emitters with λ(em)max in the range 575 to 608 nm; however, quantum yields are very low. The most promising complexes were evaluated in light-emitting electrochemical cells leading to bright and stable devices with rather good external quantum efficiencies.

PART I - IONISING RADIATIONS: HAZARDS, DETECTION AND MEASUREMENT 1. The development of radiation protection 2. Interaction of ionising radiations with matter 3. Biological effects of ionising radiation 4. Radiation measurements PART II - PROTECTION AGAINST IONISING RADIATION 5. Ionising radiation legislation 6. Principles on control methods 7. Operational radiation protection 8. Personal monitoring 9. Control of radioactive substances 10. Intervention, incidents and emergencies PART III - IONISING RADIATIONS IN MEDICINE AND RESEARCH 11. Risk control in medical exposures 12. Diagnostic radiology: equipment 13. Diagnostic radiology: facility 14. Diagnostic radiology: patient dosimetry 15. Nuclear medicine and radionuclide laboratories 16. The nuclear medicine patient 17. Radiotherapy: external beam therapy 18. Radiotherapy: brachytherapy PART IV - NON-IONISING RADIATIONS 19. Lasers 20. Non-coherant optical radiation sources 21. Electromagnetic fields 22. Ultrasound