Fast-neutron dosimetry using F centers in MgO

Abstract
A fast‐neutron dosimeter is described, the operation of which is based on the detection of F centers produced in MgO by displacement collisions. The F‐center production rate is greatly enhanced by hydrogenous surroundings from which recoil protons are ejected. The absorbed dose is measured by means of the 350 °C exoelectron emission peak. The response is linear from 10 to 600 rad (tissue) and approximately independent of neutron energy from 2 to 15 MeV. The response to fast neutrons divided by the response to γ rays is [inverted lazy s] 0.90 on a tissue‐rad basis.