Comparison between standard unfolding and Bayesian methods in Bonner spheres neutron spectrometry

This paper compares the use of both standard unfolding and Bayesian methods to analyze data extracted from neutron spectrometric measurements with a view to deriving some integral quantities characterizing a neutron field. We consider, as an example, the determination of the total neutron fluence and dose in the vicinity of an Am-Be source from Bonner spheres measurements. It is shown that the Bayesian analysis provides a rigorous estimation of these quantities and their correlated uncertainties and overcomes difficulties encountered in the standard unfolding methods. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.