A quasicylindrical source

Conclusions

This source is better than one of squirrel-cage type as regards dose uniformity by a factor 2–4, which should result in much more accurate irradiation of grain, and also some saving in source costs.

The performance of the source is better than that of existing sources by a substantial factor, because there is no self-absorption in point sources, and the accessory chambers provide additional working volume, while a proper disposition of the cassettes provides the necessary dose with the minimal possible radius.

The quasicylindrical source is also more transportable than others, because of the lower shielding weight, which simplifies the design of gamma sources by reducing the weight and cost by factors of 2–3. The quasicylindrical source with 9 cassettes should be used in equipments for irradiating grain, while the source with 13 cassettes, which has elevated uniformity, should be used in determining optimal doses and in performing radiation chemistry and physical studies.