Experience in Neutron Dose Measurements with Mailable Pin Diodes

We have investigated the performance characteristics of PIN diodes as neutron dosemeters. Data were obtained on dose response as a function of accumulated dose and neutron beam quality. We have studied fading characteristics at room temperature and developed a technique for partially annealing the radiation damage. After two years of experience with PIN diodes we tested them for their usefulness as mail dosemeters among the six neutron therapy facilites in the United States. Our results show that intercomparison of calibrated neutron beams is achievable with a precision of ±3%.