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Updated: May 14, 2026

Application of Laser Micro-irradiation for Examination of Single and Double Strand Break Repair in Mammalian Cells
Published on: September 5, 2017
Ion, X-ray, UV and Neutron Microbeam Systems for Cell Irradiation
A W Bigelow1, G Randers-Pehrson, G Garty
1Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University 630 West 168th Street, 11th floor, New York, NY 10032.
The Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF) is expanding its microbeam cell irradiation systems. New and developing systems offer advanced capabilities for radiation biology research on single cells.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Biology
- Accelerator Physics
- Microscopy
Background:
- The Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF) at Columbia University provides advanced microbeam cell irradiation capabilities.
- Existing systems include focused ion microbeam lines utilizing electrostatic and magnetic quadrupole lenses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expanding array of microbeam cell-irradiation systems at RARAF.
- To highlight new and developing irradiation technologies and their applications in radiation biology.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the HVE 5MV Singletron particle accelerator to power microbeam lines.
- Employing electrostatic and magnetic quadrupole lenses for beam focusing.
- Integrating multiphoton microscopy for UV microspot irradiation.
Main Results:
- Two focused ion microbeam lines (sub-micron microbeam II and PMM) are operational.
- A proton-induced x-ray microbeam system is undergoing testing.
- A UV microspot irradiator based on multiphoton excitation is available.
Conclusions:
- RARAF's microbeam systems are expanding, offering enhanced capabilities for single-cell irradiation research.
- These advanced systems support diverse radiation biology investigations, including those using protons and UV light.
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