Response of an albedo-neutron dosimeter to moderated AmBe and /sup 252/Cf neutron sources. Final report

Technical Report · Tue Jul 23 04:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:5029348

Nash, A E; Johnson, T L; Zeman, G H; Snyder, G I; Riel, G K

The response per Rem of an albedo neutron dosimeter has been determined for 56 neutron spectra which were generated by moderating AmBe and 252 Cf (Californium 252) neutron sources with various combinations of Lucite, polyethylene, and steel. The spectra were determined by using Bonner spheres and were further characterized by using commercially available 9-in., 3-in., and bare BF3 (Boron Fluoride) tube detectors and an Anderson-Braun-type Remmeter. The average energy of the spectra ranged from approximately 0.4 to 4.5 MeV. The ratio of the 3-in. detector response to the 9-in. detector response varied from about 0.3 to 3, and the ratio of the bare detector response varied from 0.04 to 3. The response per Rem of the albedo dosimeter, a 6 LiF-7 LiF ( Lithium Fluoride) detector pair behind a cadmium shield encased in a plastic badge, varied by more than a factor of seven. Our experiments showed that for this type albedo dosimeter, the bare to 9-in. detector ratio is more appropriate for reducing energy dependence than the 3-in. to 9-in. ratio, which is recommended for completely cadmium-encased albedo dosimeters, and is often used for other types of albedo dosimeters. Using both ratios gives optimum results; the average error due to energy dependence was reduced to about + or - 10%. Using the response ratio of a detector in front of the cadmium shield to the one behind the shield to correct for energy dependence was also effective for these spectra; the average error was approximately + or - 20%. (Author)

• Research Organization: Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5029348
• Report Number(s): AD-A-157457/3/XAB; NRL-8909
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440102* -- Radiation Instrumentation-- Radiation Dosemeters
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
ACTINIDE NUCLEI
ALBEDO-NEUTRON DOSEMETERS
ALKALI METALS
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BORON
CADMIUM
CALIFORNIUM 252
CALIFORNIUM ISOTOPES
DOSEMETERS
DOSIMETRY
ELEMENTS
ENERGY
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
HEAVY NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
LITHIUM
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
METALS
MONITORS
NEUTRON DOSIMETRY
NEUTRON SOURCES
NEUTRON SPECTRA
NUCLEI
PARTICLE SOURCES
PERFORMANCE
PERSONNEL
RADIATION MONITORS
RADIATION SOURCES
RADIOISOTOPES
SEMIMETALS
SHIELDING
SPECTRA
SPHERES
TUBES
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES