Use of passive detectors to characterize neutron field hardness.

Abstract

Most personnel neutron dosimeters and field monitors suffer from an energy dependence. The knowledge of the energy distribution of the measured neutron field is necessary to correct the response of the detectors. However, the response of the detectors can be significantly improved when only a simple idea of the spectrum hardness is available. This paper describes a way of characterizing the neutron spectrum hardness in a large variety of neutron fields (with energies extending from thermal to 100 MeV) by using the various indications of different types of passive neutron detectors. These indications allow the choice of the appropriate factors established by calibration measurements or taken from the literature to correct the energy dependent response of personnel neutron dosimeters and field monitors.