The Irradiation of Dry Spores of Bacillus subtilis with Fast Charged Particles

Abstract
The structure of dry spores was investigated and at the same time target theory treatment was extended to larger structures. The spores were irradiated with protons, deuterons, and alpha particles covering a linear energy transfer (LET) range from 59 ev per 100 A to 3300 ev per 100 A. Radiation-sensitive cross sections for the ability of the spores to form colonies were obtained as a function of LET. The survival curves are exponential and the cross section versus LET curve does not fit a single classical target. Preliminary studies indicate no strong post-irradiation treatment effects.