DIAMON: A portable, real-time and direction-aware neutron spectrometer for field characterization and dosimetry

Abstract

An innovative portable detection system based on real-time spectrometry was developed for neutron field characterization and dosimetry. This system, called DIAMON (Direction-aware Isotropic and Active neutron MONitor with spectrometric capabilities), relies on a multi-detector geometry and a built-in unfolding code to provide in real time all field and operational quantities of interest. A patent pending design provides a quasi-ideal isotropic response and an optimized spectrometric performance from thermal to high energies. Furthermore, the custom signal processing and acquisition system is conceived for deriving continuously the 3D directional distribution of incoming neutrons. This work describes the characterization of DIAMON performances carried out at the neutron calibration facility of Politecnico di Milano. Neutron spectra, field quantities and dosimetric values are reported and compared with those assessed by a reference, calibrated, Bonner Sphere System. The overall variability of the DIAMON angular response and the gamma sensitivity are presented and discussed. An example of the continuous monitoring capabilities is also shown. Results demonstrate DIAMON is an all-in-one detection system able to characterize accurately all neutron field properties in real-time.