Neutron response of a polyethylene-moderated superheated drop detector.

Monte Carlo neutron transport calculations were performed to obtain the neutron response functions of a superheated drop detector (SDD-100) that is surrounded by polyethylene of various thicknesses. The calculational results suggest that a SDD-100 surrounded by 2.54 cm of polyethylene gives the best dose-equivalent response in a free neutron field. Results were confirmed by a sequence of experiments using various neutron sources. This polyethylene-moderated SDD-100 is ideal for use as an area neutron dose monitor.