GAPS and Challenges in Neutron Personal Dosimetry: Intercomparisons and Applicable Criteria for Dosimetric Performance

Dosimetry for neutron radiation, which is inevitably accompanied by a photon component, still presents challenges despite many years of development of neutron personal dosemeters. Neutron dosimetry is still a very challenging task in routine because of the variability of the characteristics of the workplace radiation fields and, last but not least, the actual routine measured H_p(10) values lie below 300 microSv, where accuracy is even more difficult to be achieved. Regular intercomparisons, either in standard laboratory conditions and "in-field", provide an essential tool to guide development in neutron dosimetry. Such intercomparisons are usually not achievable in only one country and therefore an international effort in designing and planning such testing sessions is needed. The EURADOS Intercomparison for whole-body neutron dosimeters (EURADOS IC2012n) was an important action in the field and it showed that performance criteria for neutron dosimetry should be agreed internationally. (author)