A comparison of neutron personal dosimeters for use in the future Moroccan TRIGA reactor: bubble detectors and CR-39

Individual neutron monitoring presents several difficulties due to the differences in energy response of the dosimeters. In this work, we propose a neutron dosimeter for routine surveillance of the occupationally exposed persons around the future TRIGA Mark II reactor in Morocco. The neutron doses will be received infrequently and should remain low. In order to choose the most appropriate neutron personal dosimeter, we have studied two systems: the bubble detectors and the PADC2 (CR-39) solid state nuclear track detector. In view of well-known limitations related to the dosimetric properties of the actual dosimeters used in routine surveillance, a thorough comparative study is necessary to dispose of a convenient dosimeter. This study aims in Moroccan context: no facility for realizing the tests, few workers operating in specific zones might be exposed to neutrons, economical constraints, mixed field and regulatory system which recommends the use of personal dosimeter in controlled areas. Due to its dosimetric characteristics and its cost, the PADC detector can be a good solution as a passive neutron personal dosimeter for individual monitoring at the TRIGA reactor. The bubble dosimeter, which allows the ALARA principle to be applied, can be used like a complementary dosimeter for operational dosimetry. (author)