Neutron calibration facilities

Reliable measurement of neutron radiation is a difficult task due to the large energy range of neutrons, their complex and energy-dependent interaction mechanisms with matter and, consequently, the imperfect response characteristics of most instruments. Therefore, Calibration procedures and calibration facilities play an important role. Different types of calibration fields have been developed and made available at several institutions. The primary reference quantity used for the calibration of neutron measuring devices--area monitors, personal dosemeters, spectrometers, etc.--is the neutron fluence. This quantity is determined by appropriate experimental methods whereas dosimetric quantities are derived by applying recommended fluence-to-dose conversion coefficients. This paper summarises the basic principles underlying neutron production, the metrology employed to characterise the radiation fields and the calibration procedures employed. Examples of calibration facilities will be given, which enable routine calibrations, investigations of energy dependence and application-specific calibrations.

Published by Radiation protection dosimetry, 2004. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.

doi.org/10.1093/rpd/nch215