ABSTRACT
Area and individual monitoring for photon and neutron detection are described. Area monitoring is the measurement of radiation outside shielded radiotherapy rooms, accelerators, and radioactive sources; and includes the use of both active monitors or radiation survey meters, and passive integrating monitors or dosimeters. Individual monitoring is the measurement of doses received by individuals working outside shielded radiotherapy rooms and shielded radioactive sources. Calibration and desirable properties of these monitors are discussed. The effect of pulsed radiation on active monitors as well as photon interference on neutron measurements must be considered. Various photon monitors such as ion chambers, Geiger–Mueller counters, proportional counters and scintillation detectors, film, thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs), and electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) are discussed. Neutron monitors include dose equivalent meters (rem-meters), fluence meters (BF3 proportional counters), neutron spectrometers, TLDs, CR-39 track etch detectors, and bubble detectors. Some examples of commercially available instruments and dosimeters are provided.
