Study on bubble detectors used as personal neutron dosimeters

Neutron bubble detector is so far the only personal neutron dosimeter satisfying the energy response criteria of the International Committee of Radiation Protection 60 (ICRP 60). This paper presents our studies on neutron bubble detectors including the manufacture, the relevant equipments, the basic calibrations and on-site tests for monitoring personal neutron dose. The results of calibrations show that the highest sensitivity so far manufactured by the authors reaches about 4 bubbles/μSv, the correlation coefficient of dose response is 0.99, and the in-batch consistency and reproducibility are up to the ISO standards. The results of on-site test show that the in-batch consistency and between-batch consistency are within 15% relative standard uncertainty. The results are directly readable. The detectors are portable, especially suitable for on-site neutron dose monitoring in n–γ mixed radiation fields.

► Fabrication flow of NBD with low-cost and without cryogenic system is developed
► The highest sensitivity of neutron bubble detector reaches about 4 bubbles/μSv.
► The correlation coefficient of dose response of neutron bubble dosimeter is 0.99.
► In-batch and between-batch consistency and reproducibility are up to ISO standards.