Neutron dosimetry

Abstract

Neutron dosimetry is of practical relevance in a wide energy range of at least ten orders of magnitude. However, the dose quantities used in radiation protection are not directly measurable. This is mainly due to the variable quality of neutron radiation, expressed by radiation weighting factors (in the effective dose) or quality factors (in the dose equivalent). In spite of considerable progress in neutron dosimetry there is no dosemeter which is capable of measuring neutron doses independently of the neutron spectrum with adequate accuracy. A review is given of dose quantities, calibration methods and procedures to determine the dose at workplaces with instrumentation of limited capability. The properties of these instruments including area dosemeters, individual dosemeters and spectrometers are reviewed and increasing demands discussed. As a conclusion, there is a need for further research, development and exploration of workplace conditions. © 1996 EDP Sciences.