A Monte-Carlo study on the fluorescent nuclear track detector (FNTD) response to fast neutrons: Which information can be obtained by single layer and 3D track reconstruction analyses?

Fluorescence Nuclear Track Detectors (FNTDs) are part of a new technology developed for particle detection and applicable to personal neutron dosimetry. The objective this study is simulate the FNTD fast response to: (i) assess understand performance existing dosimeter design (Landauer Inc.) its associated single layer track-spots analysis; (ii) evaluate potential information that can be obtained by analysis 3D reconstructed recoil proton trajectories. To achieve that, FLUKA Monte Carlo (MC) model current was investigated mono-energetic neutrons 252Cf 241AmBe sources. investigation densities behind different converters showed dose calculation algorithm, based on comparison subtraction track converters, works properly only up energies ~13 MeV. Above energies, protons generated in detector housing (PE) have range larger than thickness PTFE 6Li-enriched glass, reaching FTND and, therefore, adding signal these regions influencing secondary electron discrimination energy determination algorithm. MC simulations show tracks provide estimates irradiation angles average energy. results angle or displacement (dX/dZ dY/dZ) distributions used obtain angle; with detector's normal (polar angle), most important because influences sensitivity, determined laboratory < 60° an 4° uncertainty already doses > 4.5 mSv case a214AmBe irradiation. field mean also analysing depth distribution minimum 150 tracks, 2.5 241AmBe, assuming scanned area ~2.0 mm2. Therefore, present contributes understanding dosimetry investigates evaluation approach gain additional conditions.