MULTISPHERE NEUTRON SPECTROSCOPY MEASUREMENTS AT THE LOS-ALAMOS-NATIONAL-LABORATORY PLUTONIUM FACILITY

Multisphere neutron spectroscopy methods are applied to measure repres entative working fields within the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LAN L) Plutonium Facility. This facility hosts dynamic processes, which in clude the fabrication of Pu-238 heat sources used to power space equip ment and a variety of plutonium research programmes that involve recov ery, hydrofluorination, and metal production. Neutron fluence per unit lethargy as a function of neutron energy measured for locations throu ghout this facility are described. Dosemeter response functions (for a 22.8 cm diameter neutron detector (NRD), an Andersson/Braun type neut ron 'Snoopy' monitor, etched track CR-39, BD-100R bubble detectors and NTA film) are folded into these spectra to calculate absolute respons e values of counts, tracks, or bubbles per unit dose equivalent. The r elative response values per unit dose equivalent for bare and albedo ( LiF)-Li-6-based thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs) are also calculat ed to estimate response scenarios encountered with use of the LANL TLD dosemeter.