Radiation dosimetry of a graphite moderated radium-beryllium source

Health Phys. 2004 May;86(5 Suppl):S110-2.

Abstract

The Brookhaven National Laboratory Sigma Pile is a radium-beryllium neutron source imbedded in a cube of graphite blocks. The pile is approximately 2.13 m on four sides and is 3.07 m high. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used to determine the neutron and gamma-ray dose rates in the pile. Gamma-ray dose rate measurements have also been made in the air outside of the pile, while the radium-beryllium neutron source was being withdrawn from the pile. The Monte Carlo code has been used to calculate the coupled neutron-photon transport. Measured dose rates at various locations agreed with the calculated values within 5% to 15%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Beryllium / analysis*
  • Body Burden
  • Gamma Rays
  • Graphite
  • Neutrons
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Protection / methods*
  • Radioisotopes / analysis
  • Radiometry / instrumentation
  • Radiometry / methods
  • Radium / analysis*
  • Risk Assessment / methods*
  • Thermoluminescent Dosimetry / instrumentation*
  • Thermoluminescent Dosimetry / methods*

Substances

  • Radioisotopes
  • Graphite
  • Beryllium
  • Radium