This guide describes approaches for using neutron fields with well known characteristics to perform calibrations of neutron sensors, to intercompare different methods of dosimetry, and to corroborate procedures used to derive neutron field information from measurements of neutron sensor response.

This guide discusses only selected standard and reference neutron fields which are appropriate for benchmark testing of light-water reactor dosimetry. The Standard Fields considered are neutron source environments that closely approximate the unscattered neutron spectra from ²⁵²Cf spontaneous fission and ²³⁵U thermal neutron induced fission. These standard fields were chosen for their spectral similarity to the high energy region (E > 2 MeV) of reactor spectra. The various categories of benchmark fields are defined in Terminology E170.

There are other well known neutron fields that have been designed to mockup special environments, such as pressure vessel mockups in which it is possible to make dosimetry measurements inside of the steel volume of the "vessel." When such mockups are suitably characterized they are also referred to as benchmark fields. A variety of these engineering benchmark fields have been developed, or pressed into service, to improve the accuracy of neutron dosimetry measurement techniques. These special benchmark experiments are discussed in Guide E2006, and in Refs (1) and (2).