NF EN ISO 8529-1, M60-516-1 (07/2023)

This document specifies reference neutron fields, falling in the energy range from "thermal" up to 20 MeV, intended for the calibration of neutron measuring devices used for radiation protection purposes and to determine their response as a function of neutron energy. This document deals only with methods for producing and characterizing reference neutron radiation fields. The procedures for applying these radiation fields for calibration purposes are described in references [1] and [2]. The reference neutron radiation fields specified are: — neutron fields from radionuclide sources, including neutron fields from sources placed in a moderator; — neutron fields produced by nuclear reactions with charged particles from accelerators; — neutron fields from reactors. Taking into account the methods of production and their use, these reference neutron radiation fields are, for the purposes of this document, treated in the following three separate clauses: — Clause 4 specifies neutron sources of broad-spectrum radionuclides intended for the calibration of neutron measuring devices. These sources should be used by laboratories responsible for the routine calibration of neutron measuring devices whose particular design has already been type tested; — Clause 5 specifies monoenergetic neutrons produced by accelerators and neutrons produced in broad spectrum or near monoenergetic reactors, intended to determine the response of neutron measuring devices as a function of neutron energy. Since these reference neutron radiation fields are produced in specialized and well-equipped laboratories, only minimal experimental details are given; — Clause 6 specifies thermal neutron fields that can be produced by moderate radionuclide sources, accelerators or reactors.
(Automatic translation from French)