Apparatuses and methods employing multiple layers for attenuating ionizing radiation

摘要

Radiation shields and radiation shielding systems for attenuating ionizing radiation include two or more attenuating elements, such as layers. The two or more attenuating elements may include different attenuating materials. The two or more attenuating elements may be configured to attenuate ionizing radiation differently than one another. In some embodiments, different attenuating elements may be configured for use with different energies or ranges of energies of ionizing radiation. The concurrent use of two or more layers or other attenuating elements may optimize the ability of a radiation shield to attenuating ionizing radiation. Systems and methods for attenuating ionizing radiation are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A structure for attenuating ionizing radiation, comprising:
a sheet for directionally attenuating ionizing radiation, the sheet consisting of a plurality of layers arranged sequentially on a basis of a range of energies of a spectrum of ionizing radiation attenuated by each layer of the plurality of layers, the plurality of layers including: a first layer defining a first outer surface of the structure and including a first radio-opaque material comprising a salt of a first elemental species having a first atomic number, the first radio-opaque material being configured to attenuate an incident range of energies of ionizing radiation emanating from a source of ionizing radiation; and a second layer defining a second outer surface of the structure, the second outer surface being opposite from the first outer surface, the second layer including a second radio-opaque material comprising a salt of a second elemental species having a second atomic number, the second atomic number being higher than the first atomic number, the second layer positioned adjacent to and at least partially superimposed with respect to the first layer, the second radio-opaque material being configured to attenuate a range of energies of secondary ionizing radiation emanating from another layer of the plurality of layers upon attenuation of the incident range of energies of ionizing radiation by the another layer of the plurality of layers, wherein all the radio-opaque material configured to attenuate ionizing radiation in the plurality of layers is a salt of an elemental species.