Response assessment of a new albedo neutron dosimeter

Abstract

The use of thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) by personnel who work in radiation-rich environments is required by law. However, many professionals prefer to use Electronic Personal Dosimeters (EPDs), which provide dose estimation in real time. This preference may lead to a generalized use of the EPD instead of using the required TLD, as the use of both types at once can be uncomfortable and impractical. In an effort to avoid this scenario, a gamma/neutron dosimeter composed of a TLD and an EPD is being developed. In this paper, the results obtained from the studies performed in order to develop the neutron albedo dosimeter to be incorporated in the TLD[Formula: see text]EPD dosimeter are presented. Monte Carlo simulations using the state-of-the-art Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport (MCNPX) code were used to calculate the response of the albedo dosimeter. The thermal neutron detectors under consideration for use in the proposed dosimeter are the EJ-426 and the EJ-420. Both detectors employ a lithium compoundenriched to 95% [Formula: see text]Li dispersed in a ZnS:(Ag) matrix. The tomographic phantom Korean Typical Man-2 was used in the simulations to calculate the fraction of radiation backscattered by a human body in different radiation field conditions. From these results, it was concluded that both dosimeters are fit to be used as albedo dosimeters.