PRODUCT IRRADIATOR FOR OPTIMIZING DOSE UNIFORMITY IN PRODUCTS

摘要

An apparatus and method for irradiating a product or product stack with a relatively even radiation dose distribution (low dose uniformity ratio (DUR)). The apparatus comprises a radiation source for producing radiation in the range of X-rays or greater, an adjustable collimator for producing a radiation beam of a desired geometry, a turn-table capable of receiving a product stack and a control system capable of adjusting the adjustable collimator to vary the geometry of the radiation beam as the product stack is rotated in the radiation beam. Also disclosed is the modulation of the radiation beam energy and power and varying the angular rotational velocity of the product stack in a radiation beam to achieve a low dose uniformity ratio in the product stack. The invention also discloses a radiation detection system integrated with a control system for automatic processing, and monitoring of product stacks for delivery of a precise radiation dose distribution and a relatively flat dose distribution in a product stack.