The present status of etched track neutron dosimetry in Europe and the contribution of CENDOS and EURADOS

A working group, set up in 1981 under the auspices of CENDOS, to coordinate European activities in etched track neutron dosimetry remained active until 1994, in its later years under the auspices of EURADOS. The group facilitated the interchange of technical ideas amongst European groups, promoted the production of a summary report in 1984, organised a workshop in 1987, and arranged a joint irradiation with protons and five joint irradiations with neutrons over the period 1984-1992. Some key aspects of the work of the group are discussed as is the current status of etched track neutron dosimetry in Europe. The available systems and their dosimetric characteristics are considered. The systems are based on both chemical and electrochemical etching and the characteristics discussed include linearity, energy and angular dependence of response, lowest detectable doses and reproducibility. Future trends and research needs are identified.