title: Response of the Panasonic UD803AS TLD in workplace neutron fields.
abstract: Between 1983 and 2004, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UK MOD) assessed photon and beta doses using the Panasonic UD803AS thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD). The Panasonic UD803AS dosemeter is also sensitive to neutrons, and the aim of the present study was to ascertain whether dose assessments made using the Panasonic UD803AS TLD in UK MOD radiation fields include a conservative estimate of any neutron exposures. This would allow Panasonic UD803AS results to be taken as a measure of the total photon, beta and neutron dose when reconstructing dose records for the purpose of the 'Compensation Scheme for Radiation Linked Diseases'. The neutron response of the Panasonic UD803AS TLD was calculated as a function of neutron energy and angle of incidence by using the MCNP5 Monte Carlo computer code, and the results used to predict the response of the dosemeter in UK MOD neutron fields. It was found that the UD803AS dosemeter over-responded in the majority of these fields. It was therefore concluded that historical Panasonic UD803AS dose assessments will, for the most part, include a conservative estimate of any neutron exposure.
authors.affiliation: Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Alverstoke, Gosport, Hants, UK.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Stokes
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pinks
mesh_terms: D019985:Benchmarking; D006801:Humans; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D009502:Neutrons; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013819:Thermoluminescent Dosimetry / Q000379:methods*; D006113:United Kingdom