Study on energy response of a solid state nuclear track detector to neutrons up to 80 MeV

A code system SSNRES using a Monte Carlo method for the calculation of ener gy response of solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs) to neutrons was extended for the high-energy range of neutrons from 20 to 80 MeV. For the validation of the code system, energy responses for SSNTDs with a 1-mm-thic k polyethylene radiator were measured for 22-, 33-, 40- and 65-MeV quasi-mo noenergetic neutrons. The calculated responses were in good agreement with the measured ones within 12% except for 65-MeV source, while 22-28% underes timation was obtained for 65-MeV source because of the ambiguity of the eva luation of low energy source spectrum and the substitution of the kinematic s of carbon for that of oxygen. This work supports the use of the SSNRES co de system for the design of new detectors suitable for the measurement of s everal tens MeV neutrons. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.