New Analytical Capability may Provide Solution to the Neutron Dosimetry Problem in Hiroshima

Abstract

The large neutron discrepancy in the DS86 dosimetry system for Hiroshima survivors may now be resolvable. This possibility is the result of a recent breakthrough in the ultra-separation of nickel from copper and the measurement of 63Ni using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The reaction, 63Cu(n,p)63Ni, results in the production of 63Ni (half life, 100y) by neutrons above (1 MeV. A laboratory test experiment demonstrates that this reaction can now be used to reconstruct the high energy neutron fluence in Hiroshima, which would eliminate the most serious obstacle that has prevented a credible solution to the DS86 neutron dosimetry problem.