Abstract:
X-ray experimental microbeam line for single live cells irradiation has been constructed at the Institute of Nuclear Physics PAN. The facility is based on an open type X-ray tube with microfocusing (the X-ray emission spot size is about 2 micrometers in diameter) and anode exchange ability. In the microdosimetry experiment a Titanium anode with the 4.5 keV energy of Ka characteristic radiation line is used. The X-ray radiation, emitted from the spot into a cone of 120 degrees angle, is focused on the sample using the X-ray focusing multilayer mirrors in the Montel geometry. The focusing distance is 32 mm, and the focal spot is about 20 micrometers in diameter. The beam image can be observed using the X-ray sensitive CCD camera, as well as with the use of an optical microscope and the P43 scintillator screen. Cells are seeded on a thin mylar foil, which is mounted on a drilled opening in the bottom of the Petri dish. After visual selection of cells dedicated to irradiate, and setting of experimental parameters, the irradiation process is carried out automatically, and cells are irradiated with a controlled X-ray dose.
