The dosimetric studies at this laboratory were initiated with the primary goal of developing systems for the determination of absorbed dose in biological research and clinical applications. The primary method under study is the local absorbed dose calorimeter, a concept initiated and developed by J.S. Laughlin. In addition, secondary dosimetric systems such as ionization chambers, chemical dosimeters and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) are being developed and applied to provide an absolute basis for the evaluation and comparison of experiments, treatments, and other procedures using radiation.