A combined use of the BD-PND and BDT bubble detectors in neutron dosimetry

The BDT bubble detector is predominantly sensitive to thermal neutrons and the BD-PND bubble detector is only sensitive to neutrons with energies larger than about 50 keV. The response of both types of bubble detectors was measured for four radionuclide sources, for thermal neutrons and for several mono-energetic neutron beams. At the same time the sensitivity given by the manufacturer was checked. Combining the two measured sensitivity functions with adequate weighing factors provides a better neutron dose equivalent response for the entire energy range. The effect of the new ICRP conversion factors (ICRP, 1996) following the ICRP 60 recommendations (ICRP, 1990) is determined.