Personnel neutron and gamma-ray dosimeter intercomparison studies at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Ninety-five different organizations (64-USA, 31-Other Nations) have participated in ten annual personnel dosimetry intercomparison studies conducted at ORNL since 1974. The well-characterized Health Physics Research Reactor has been operated on 61 occasions during these studies to provide dose equivalents to about 7,000 dosimeters with a variety of radiation spectra ranging from a relatively hard, unmoderated fission spectrum to a relatively soft spectrum obtained by moderating fission neutrons by Lucite and concrete. Five basic types of neutron dosimeters (TLD, TLD albedo, track, film, combination) and two basic types of gamma-ray dosimeters (TLD, film) have been used to make over 98% of the measurements. The performance of these dosimeters is compared with accepted standards and guidelines. Conclusions relative to the application of various types of personnel dosimeters are presented. (author)