Passive detectors in complex high-energy radiation fields, particularly on board the International Space Station

Passive detectors represented by a combination of thermoluminescent detectors and plastic nuclear track detectors were tested by irradiation in the CERF high-energy neutron reference field at CERN and were found capable of providing information on radiation levels in fields as complex as CERF. The TLD/nuclear tract detector combination somewhat overestimates the dose equivalent as compared to the H*(10) reference value. The results obtained on board the International Space Station during missions in 2005-2009 are also presented. This method shows promise as an approach to the estimation of the risk posed by radiation to the space station crew. (orig.)