Fast neutron and gamma-ray dosimetry with imaging plates

An imaging plate (IP) is a passive integrating detector capable of medium-t erm storage of ionizing energy. A visible laser scan can be used to liberat e a number of visible photons proportional to the amount of energy trapped. An IP is sensitive to ionizing particles of any energy, whatsoever, to neu trons and to photons. It is linear in response over 4-5 decades. We have st udied the response of IN to neutrons emitted by Pu-Be and Am-Be sources in differential measurements that correct for the gamma -ray component from th e neutron source. The dose threshold for fast neutrons, as well as for (CO) -C-60 gamma -rays, could thus be determined. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.