A novel Po-210-based alpha-particle irradiator for radiobiological experiments with retrospective alpha-particle hit per cell determination

A new experimental design for alpha-particle irradiation of cells in vitro is described where the alpha-particle irradiator is based on a Po-210 radio active source. In the described set-up cells are grown directly on an alpha -particle detector and irradiation is done from below. For an irradiated ce ll dish the number of alpha-particle traversals through each individual cel l is scored by using retrospective track etch dosimetry and an accurate tec hnique for individual cell relocation. Calibration experiments characterizi ng the new irradiator system are presented.