A prototype personal neutron dosemeter based on an ion chamber and direct ion storage

Ionisation chambers are sensitive to both neutrons and photons. In order to produce a neutron dosemeter based on an ion chamber a double-chamber system which allows for differential readings has to be built. The system consists of one chamber with high neutron sensitivity (e.g. A-150 or polyethylene with 10B or 6Li compounds) and one chamber with low neutron sensitivity (e.g. graphite or Teflon). Different combined dosemeter prototypes were produced and their responses for standard photon and neutron radiation fields, as well as various field spectra, were determined. The feasibility of neutron dosimetry with ion chambers and direct ion storage (DIS) electronics has been proved. The results obtained with prototype dosemeters indicate the system's promising potential for legal approval in the future. Apart from dosimetric properties, the advantages of the system are its small size and weight, easy readout and relatively low production cost.