Abstract
An elementary discussion is presented of the physical theory underlying the use of thermal neutron dosimetry in fission track dating. Concepts such as the neutron flux, reaction cross section, neutron energy spectra and reaction rates are introduced and discussed in terms of contributions due to thermal, epithermal and fast neutrons. This leads to a discussion of Cadmium Ratios, by which the proportion of “activation” (either as induced radioactivity in metal foils or as induced fission of 235U) due to thermal and epithermal neutrons may be quantified. Consideration of Cadmium Ratios allows certain broad constraints to be placed on irradiation facilities suitable for fission track dating studies. Some complications to the simple theory are discussed, which illustrate the practical difficulties met in achieving precise, absolute thermal neutron dosimetry. Finally, a set of guidelines are suggested for the routine application of thermal neutron dosimetry to fission track dating.
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