Calculational Model of the Radiation Calibration Lab (RCL) and the Neutron Measurements performed at the Facility, with a 252 Cf Source
Calibration of detectors measuring gamma, neutron, alpha and beta radiation, and of personal dosimeters used at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), is performed at the Radiation Calibration Lab (RCL). The calibrations done with a standard calibrated 252 Cf source are a function of the energy spectra, fluence and dose of the source. A detailed calculational model of the RCL has been carried out with the MCNP6 code. The calculations have also reproduced quite well the measurements of the fluence and dose rates for the bare and moderated 252 Cf source carried out by R. Radev using the Rospec Spectrometer and by Clark and Wilson using a Passive Neutron Spectrometer. The importance of having the calculational model of the RCL facility is to calculate the dose rates expected for a given planned measurement, optimizing the choice of detectors, design and shielding materials before the actual measurement are carried out, resulting in a more efficient and time saving measurement. Furthermore, an accurate model of the facility allows to detect possible problems with the measurement.