Nicole Ackerman
A5091355005- Neutrino Physics Research
- Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena
- Medical Imaging Techniques and Applications
- Radiation Therapy and Dosimetry
- Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry and Applications
- Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research
- Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies
- Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy Techniques
- Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies
- Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
- Boron Compounds in Chemistry
- Chemical Reactions and Isotopes
- Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques
- Particle Detector Development and Performance
- Radiation Dose and Imaging
- Nuclear physics research studies
- Advanced X-ray and CT Imaging
- Ultrasound and Hyperthermia Applications
- Advanced NMR Techniques and Applications
- Mass Spectrometry Techniques and Applications
- Radioactive Decay and Measurement Techniques
- Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
- Quantum, superfluid, helium dynamics
- Advanced MRI Techniques and Applications
- Radiation Effects and Dosimetry
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
2009-2022
Agnes Scott College
2016-2018
Stanford University
2011-2012
We report the observation of two-neutrino double-beta decay in Xe-136 with T_1/2 = 2.11 +- 0.04 (stat.) 0.21 (sys.) x 10^21 yr. This second order process, predicted by Standard Model, has been observed for several nuclei but not Xe-136. The rate provides new input to matrix element calculations and search more interesting neutrino-less decay, most sensitive probe existence Majorana particles measurement neutrino mass scale.
Targeted α-emitting drugs are promising for cancer therapy, but cannot be effectively imaged by conventional techniques. Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) has previously been shown capable of β(+)- and β(-)-emitting radionuclides in vivo could have the potential to image α-emitters. light production from α-emitters is through Compton scattering farther down decay chain. This causes vary time depend on sample geometry, complicating interpretation CLI images. We used simulation toolkit...
Brain metastases develop frequently in patients with breast cancer, and present a pressing therapeutic challenge. Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) is upregulated on brain endothelial cells during the early stages metastasis provides target for detection treatment metastases. The aim this study was to use model evaluate efficacy α-emitting radionuclides,
The EXO-200 experiment searched for neutrinoless double-beta decay of $^{136}$Xe with a single-phase liquid xenon detector. It used an active mass 110 kg 80.6%-enriched in ultra-low background time projection chamber ionization and scintillation detection readout. This paper describes the design performance various support systems necessary detector operation, including cryogenics, handling, controls. Novel features system were driven by need to protect thin-walled containing xenon, achieve...
Cherenkov Luminescence Imaging (CLI) is a new method to image radioactive therapeutic and diagnostic agents, primarily in preclinical studies. This study used Geant4 Python generate the predicted light production as function of time for set isotopic chains interest targeted alpha therapy: 223Ra, 212Pb, 149Tb. All are shown produce substantial light, though delays between initial decays requires caution interpreting CLI.
We describe a source capable of producing single barium ions through nuclear recoils in radioactive decay. The is fabricated by electroplating G148d onto silicon α-particle detector and vapor depositing layer BaF2 over it. S144m from the alpha decay are used to dislodge Ba+ emit them surrounding environment. simultaneous detection an α particle substrate allows for tagging emission. simple, durable, can be manipulated different environments. discuss fabrication process, which easily adapted...
There is experimental evidence for the production of non-Cerenkov radioluminescence in a variety materials, including tissue. We constructed Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation radiation from P32 and Tc99m interacting chicken breast used imaging data to model scintillation-like emission. The same spectrum visible both isotopes cannot otherwise be explained through fluorescence or filter miscalibration. conclude that has near-infrared response with light yield three orders magnitude smaller than BGO.
Purpose: To investigate tungsten nanoparticles (WNP) and conventional iodine contrast as potential vehicles for dose enhancers (DE) enhanced radiation therapy (DERT). Methods: We systematically evaluated DERT in silico, vitro, vivo by quantifying enhancement, cell kill, tumor control. Because of variations the K‐edge toxicity these different we expect to see differences their viability effective boosting. used Na[M3‐W3(O2)(OAc)a] our WNP, iohexol agent. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using...
Purpose: This study simulates at the cellular scale microscopic dose enhancement from high Z materials (such as gold nanoparticles) in tissue a function of concentration and intracellular localization. Methods: Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed using Geant4 9.3p02 for simple 3D geometry 125 cubic cells with centered nuclei. Contrast gold, iodine, tungsten simulated 150 kVp beam. The extra‐ intra‐cellular contrast was varied, internal placed either throughout cytoplasm or localized...