Results of the EURADOS 2022 intercomparison for neutron personal dosemeters (IC2022n)

The European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) has initiated a regular, self-sustaining interlaboratory comparison scheme to test the performance of individual monitoring services. The 2022 intercomparison for neutron personal dosemeters (IC2022n) was the third campaign involving devices routinely applied to measure personal dose equivalent, H p (10), in neutron fields. The exercise was attended by 29 laboratories from 19 countries (more than half outside the European Union). The 31 registered dosimetry systems were categorized according to their detection principle into albedo and track dosemeters. Participants were given the option to request simplified a priori information on the energy distribution of the neutron reference fields to enable application of the proper calibration factor for the dosemeter response, in compliance with their routine practice. As a novelty, the interlaboratory comparison also investigated false positive response. The irradiation plan comprised a combination of standard calibration and simulated workplace neutron fields, aimed to provide information on the dosemeter performance regarding linearity, reproducibility as well as energy and angle dependence of response. The irradiations were carried out at accredited metrology laboratories for ionizing radiation in accordance with the ISO 8529 and ISO 29661 series of standards. Evaluation of results applied the performance limits and the approval criterion of ISO 14146:2018 to provide a comprehensive overview of the status of neutron personal dosimetry for individual monitoring of occupational exposure.