Facilities

     Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF)
          RARAF Contacts | RARAF Location | RARAF Users
     Design & Instrument Shop | Shop Contacts
          Shop Location | Shop Users & Request Form

The Center for Radiological Research occupies 10,000 square feet in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. It contains 12 laboratories devoted to biological research. All laboratories are well equipped for radiobiological and molecular studies.

CRR radiation sources include a 300 kVp x-ray machine, a source of soft x-rays, an AECL cesium gamma irradiator, a very high dose-rate Cobalt-60 irradiator, as well as a low dose-rate facility.

Additionally, we have a Nikon C1 confocal microscope system that supports a variety of imaging techniques, including simultaneous three-channel fluorescence plus diascopic DIC, time-lapse recording, and spatial analysis.

The CRR is part of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. This allows preferential and subsidized access to the extensive shared Core Facilities of the Cancer Center, such as the gene-array facilities, the animal care facilities, sequencing laboratories, the confocal microscope, and advanced computing facilities.

The Center for Radiological Research of Columbia University also boasts important facilities for users both inside and outside Columbia University:

Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF)  

Available beams include:

• Single particle microbeam to irradiate individual cell nuclei with single ions.

• Monoenergetic neutrons with mean energies from 0.2 to 15 MeV.

• Charged particles (protons, deuterons, helium-3 and helium-4 ions) with defined LET in the track-segment mode.

• Molecular ions providing pairs of particles of known average separation.

• 50 to 250 kVp X-rays from standard x-ray machines.

• Monoenergetic X-rays with energies between 0.3 and 3.0 keV produced by proton-induced x-ray emission (PIXE).

Experiments are conducted by visiting scientists and outside users as well as by members of the Center for Radiological Research.

A new facility to provide neutrons with energies in the range of 10 to 100 keV is being developed.

RARAF - CONTACTS:   

Director:

Dr. David Brenner
Center for Radiological Research
VC 11th floor
630 W. 168th St.
New York, N.Y. 10032
tel: (212) 305-(6)9930
fax: (212) 305-(6)3229
e-mail: djb3@columbia.edu

Manager:  

Mr. Stephen Marino
Radiological Research Accelerator Facility
Nevis Laboratories
P.O. Box 21
136 S. Broadway
Irvington, N.Y. 10533
tel: (914) 591-9244
fax: (914) 591-9405
e-mail: sm14@columbia.edu

Location of RARAF Facility:   

Radiological Research Accelerator Facility
Nevis Laboratories
136 S. Broadway
Irvington, N.Y. 10533

Permitted RARAF Users:

NO RESTRICTIONS: Experiments are conducted by visiting scientists and outside users as well as by members of the Center for Radiological Research (CRR).

Charges:  Negotiable.

Design & Instrument Shop  

The Center for Radiological Research offers the most comprehensive design and instrument shop in the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center complex. Established in 1947, the facility has been continuously modernized and updated. Using a CAD (computer aided design) system, specialized, complex, custom-made instrumentation and equipment of almost any physical size, including micro-machining of plastics, metals, and ceramics, can be fabricated. Consultation with, and guidance for, researchers is provided in determining appropriate materials and design, along with technological advice and suggestions. The shop is also equipped for micro-brazing and micro-silver soldering, as well as for plastic molding and mechanical repair of small laboratory equipment.

The facility is a world leader in the fabrication of ionization chambers and proportional counters used in radiation studies and in microdosimetry. Other specialized items produced include imaging systems such as intravital microscopes and customized PET scanners.

Items routinely made include:

• Radiation targets and radiation shields

• Beta-particle bench shielding, bins, storage and work boxes

• Lead containers and shields

• Collimators (lead or tungsten)

• Microscopes, both custom-made and modified

• Cell flow chambers and micro-sieving chambers

• Gimbal systems

• Positioning systems

• Micro slides (x-y-z)

• Surgical stainless steel implants (neurological and orthopedic)

• Temperature chambers for microscope stages

• Micropipette holders

• Electrophoresis units and custom combs

• X-ray targets

• Vacuum systems

• Phantoms

DESIGN & INSTRUMENT SHOP - CONTACTS: 

Director & Manager:

Mr. Gary Johnson
Center for Radiological Research
VC 11th floor
630 W. 168th St.
New York, N.Y. 10032
tel: (212) 305-(5)6707
fax: (212) 305-(5)3229
e-mail: gwj1@columbia.edu

Location of Facility: 

Design & Instrument Shop
VC 11-245
630 W. 168th St.
New York, N.Y. 10032
 

Permitted Shop Users:    

NO RESTRICTIONS.

Charges: Based on intricacy of work requested, plus materials.

>>> CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUMENT SHOP REQUEST FORM <<<