Convert kilogray [kGy] to femtogray [fGy] Online | Free radiation-absorbed-dose Converter

Kilogray [kGy]: An Ultra-High Dose of Radiation

The kilogray (kGy) is a unit of absorbed radiation dose equal to 1,000 grays (Gy). This represents an extremely large amount of energy—1,000 joules of ionizing radiation absorbed per kilogram of matter. Such doses are far beyond those encountered in medical or environmental settings and are typically relevant only in specialized industrial and scientific applications.

Kilograys are commonly used in radiation processing, such as:

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  Sterilization of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, where very high doses ensure the destruction of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

  
  
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  Food irradiation to increase shelf life and reduce pathogens.

  
  
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  Material modification, including polymer cross-linking and degradation studies.

  
  
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  Radiation hardness testing for electronics and materials exposed to extreme environments, like space or nuclear reactors.

  
  

In biology and medicine, doses in the kilogray range would be lethal to all known life forms. Therefore, the kGy is never used to describe radiation exposure to humans or animals.

The kilogray highlights the versatility of the gray as a unit of radiation dose, scaling from tiny fractions used in diagnostics to massive doses used in industrial processes, reflecting the broad spectrum of radiation’s applications across science and technology.

Femtogray [fGy]: A Tiny Unit of Radiation Dose

The femtogray (fGy) is a unit of absorbed radiation dose equal to 10⁻¹⁵ grays (Gy). The gray (Gy) is the standard SI unit used to measure the amount of ionizing radiation energy absorbed per kilogram of matter. One femtogray, therefore, represents a quadrillionth (0.000000000000001) of a gray. This unit is extremely small and is primarily used in theoretical research, nanodosimetry, or highly sensitive radiation studies where even the smallest levels of energy absorption can have measurable effects on microscopic or molecular systems. While real-world applications like medical imaging or radiation therapy use much larger units such as milligray (mGy) or gray (Gy), the femtogray can help researchers simulate or analyze interactions of radiation with DNA, proteins, or other cellular components. Although it is impractical for most everyday uses due to its tiny scale, the femtogray plays a valuable role in scientific fields requiring ultra-precise radiation dose measurements. It demonstrates how finely scientists can scale radiation measurements to better understand the effects of energy on matter at the smallest biological or atomic levels.