Accelerator-based photoneutron source for BNCT applications

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:199600

Jones, J L ^[1]

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1. Idaho National Engineering Lab., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

An alternate approach for the potential realization of a clinically-applicable, accelerator-based source of epithermal neutrons for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is described. The approach uses a compact photoneutron source and a beam filtering/moderation volume for the production of BNCT-applicable neutrons. The photoneutron source consists of a small, heavy water-filled, cylindrical tungsten tank and multiple, inwardly-directed beams of 5-8 MeV electrons. Up to 50 percent (by volume) of the tank may include beryllium. The heavy water serves as both the neutron source and the assembly coolant function. The energetic electrons interacting in the tungsten tank wall generate highly penetrating, multiple source bremsstrahlung radiation. Subsequently, photoneutrons are produced in the tank volume. These resulting photoneutrons are then moderated in a specialized filter/moderator region located around the central tank. The concept also includes a bismuth-lead gamma shield and a lithiated-polyethylene neutron beam delimiter. In support of this approach, this paper will include experimental results using a low-current, benchtop system and an energy-selectable linear electron accelerator. The results will be compared to numerical predictions, and system requirements for clinical-applications are identified.

• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• OSTI ID: 199600
• Report Number(s): CONF-941129--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

55 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BASIC STUDIES
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
ELECTRON BEAMS
EPITHERMAL NEUTRONS
HEAVY WATER
NEUTRON CAPTURE THERAPY
NEUTRON SOURCES
PARTICLE PRODUCTION
PHOTONEUTRONS