Solid State Track Recorder neutron dosimetry in a simulated basalt geological waste repository

Solid State Track Recorder (SSTR) techniques have been developed for neutron dosimetry applications related to geological storage of radioactive waste. The neutron irradiation environment of spent fuel stored in a simulated basalt geological waste repository was investigated using SSTR neutron dosimetry capsules which contained low mass deposits of fissionable isotopes in contact with mica SSTRs. After exposure for a period of years, the capsules were recovered and the mica SSTRs were retrieved and analyzed. The measured fission rates and derived neutron energy and fluence information are reported. (author)