Kerma factor of carbon for 14.1-MeV neutrons.

Using microdosimetric techniques, a direct measurement was made of the kerma factor of carbon for 14.1-MeV neutrons. Kerma was inferred from charged particle energy depositions measured with a small graphite-walled proportional counter. Measurements with an ionization chamber and a proportional counter, both constructed with A150 plastic walls, as well as induced 24Na activity from the 27Al(n, alpha) reaction, determined the neutron fluence. The resulting carbon kerma factor was 0.178 +/- 0.11 X 10(-8) cGy X cm2 which is lower than published tabulations but in agreement with recent microscopic cross-section measurements.