Neutron Dose Equivalent Rate Meter on the Basis of the Single Sphere Albedo Technique

Abstract

In area monitoring there is a need for a more accurate neutron reference dose rate meter, especially for the purpose of albedo dosemeter calibrations in neutron stray radiation fields of interest. The so-called Single Sphere Albedo Counter makes use of three active 3He proportional counters as thermal neutron detectors positioned in the centre and on the surface (albedo dosemeter configurations) of a polyethylene sphere. The linear combination of the detector readings allows for the indication of different quantities like H*(10), D,_, and reduces the energy dependence significantly. The paper describes the dosimetric properties of a prototype instrument and its application in routine monitoring.