α-and γ-irradiation of aqueous DNA solutions

A simple exposure system has been developed for α-irradiation of aqueous DNA solutions, utilizing α-particles from an ²⁴¹Am surface source emitting in vacuo. Care is taken for uniform irradiation of the liquid samples at a variety of dose-rates and reliable dosimetry. For α-dosimetry simple but accurate analytical LET-energy and range-energy relations for liquid water are proposed. For γ dosimetry energy transfer by electrons is considered.