Thick activation detectors for neutron spectrometry using different unfolding methods: sensitivity analysis and dose calculation.

This paper discusses the use of threshold detectors of extended sizes for low intensity neutron fields' characterization. The detectors were tested by the measurement of the neutron spectrum of an (241)Am-Be source. Integral quantities characterizing the neutron field, required for radiological protection, have been derived by unfolding the measured data.

Neutron field characterisation of the OB26 CRNA irradiator in view of its use for calibration purposes.

The main goal of the present work is to characterise the neutron field of an OB26 irradiation system acquired by the Nuclear Research Center of Algiers for radiation protection purposes. Extensive Monte-Carlo (MC) calculations and measurements using BF(3)- and (3)He-based neutron area dosemeters were performed to estimate the contribution, on the energy neutron spectrum, of each component present in the bunker facility of the Algerian Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) where the irradiator has been installed. For this purpose, new irradiation configurations based on the (241)Am-Be source placed in the OB 26/2 biological shielding inside its environment have been investigated by MC simulations, and comparison with the ISO spectrum has been performed.

Monte-Carlo investigation of radiation beam quality of the CRNA neutron irradiator for calibration purposes.

An irradiation system has been acquired by the Nuclear Research Center of Algiers (CRNA) to provide neutron references for metrology and dosimetry purposes. It consists of an (241)Am-Be radionuclide source of 185 GBq (5Ci) activity inside a cylindrical steel-enveloped polyethylene container with radially positioned beam channel. Because of its composition, filled with hydrogenous material, which is not recommended by ISO standards, we expect large changes in the physical quantities of primary importance of the source compared to a free-field situation.