Tissue equivalent proportional counters in health physics

The ICRP new standards put electronic dosimeters forward, especially in the case of neutrons. Proportional counters are an attractive solution: they are able to separate n doses and gamma doses and to give dose equivalents. The microscopic simulation of their gas gain makes it possible to achieve a global understanding of their mechanism. The main objective is to design an individual dosimeter. In this prospect, it is interesting to use a multicellular cathode in front of an anodic wire set, the expected sensitivity being 15 times higher as that of an ortho-cylindrical counter of a similar size. A monocellular prototype is in a preliminary step of development. (author)