NBN ISO 8529-1:2022

This document specifies the neutron reference radiation fields, in the energy range from thermal up
to 20 MeV, for calibrating neutron-measuring devices used for radiation protection purposes and for
determining their response as a function of neutron energy.
This document is concerned only with the methods of producing and characterizing the neutron
reference radiation fields. The procedures for applying these radiation fields for calibrations are
described in References [1] and [2].
The neutron reference radiation fields specified are the following:
— neutron fields from radionuclide sources, including neutron fields from sources in a moderator;
— neutron fields produced by nuclear reactions with charged particles from accelerators;
— neutron fields from reactors.
In view of the methods of production and use of them, these neutron reference radiation fields are
divided, for the purposes of this document, into the following three separate clauses:
— In Clause 4, radionuclide neutron sources with wide spectra are specified for the calibration of
neutron-measuring devices. These sources should be used by laboratories engaged in the routine
calibration of neutron-measuring devices, the particular design of which has already been type
tested.
— In Clause 5, accelerator-produced monoenergetic neutrons and reactor-produced neutrons with wide
or quasi monoenergetic spectra are specified for determining the response of neutron-measuring
devices as a function of neutron energy. Since these neutron reference radiation fields are produced
at specialized and well-equipped laboratories, only the minimum of experimental detail is given.
— In Clause 6, thermal neutron fields are specified. These fields can be produced by moderated
radionuclide sources, accelerators, or reactors.