Measurement of neutron dose by a moderating germanium detector

A moderating neutron detection system based on measurement of the neutron-induced prompt gamma rays in a central germanium detector was established to measure low-level neutron dose rates. Fast neutrons are moderated in polyethylene cylinders and then captured in the germanium crystal for counting. The neutron dose rate is estimated by measuring the most intense capture prompt gamma ray of 596 keV in the Ge(nth,γ) reaction, The moderating neutron dosimeter shows high detection sensitivity to neutrons, exceeding other reported germanium-based neutron detection devices. It can be practically used for measurement of the neutron dose rate of environmental neutrons.