Few groups neutron spectra, and dosimetric features, of isotopic neutron sources

Using Monte Carlo methods, the neutron spectra in 31 energy groups of several isotopic neutron sources were estimated. For each source the neutron mean energy; the Ambient dose equivalent, the Personal dose equivalent and the Effective dose per unit fluence rate were calculated. A convenient way to produce neutrons is the isotopic neutron source, where the production is through (α, n), (γ, n), and spontaneous fission reactions. Isotopic neutron sources are small, easy to handle, and have a relative low cost. On the other hand the neutron yield is small and mostly of them produces neutrons with a wide energy distribution. In this work, the main features of ²⁴NaBe, ²⁴NaD₂O, ¹¹⁶InBe, ¹⁴⁰LaBe, ²³⁸PuLi, ²³⁹PuBe, ²⁴¹AmB, ²⁴¹AmBe, ²⁴¹AmF, ²⁴¹AmLi, ²⁴²CmBe, ²¹⁰PoBe, ²²⁶RaBe, ²⁵²Cf and ²⁵²Cf/D₂O isotopic neutron source are also compiled. - Highlights: • Neutron spectra and dosimetric features of isotopic neutron sources were calculated. • Neutron spectra were calculated in thirty one energy groups. • Dosimetric features include the E, H_p,s, and H*(10).