On the upper limit for the energy of epithermal neutrons for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Authors:   Torres-Sánchez P., Porras I., Arias de Saavedra F., Sabariego M.P., Praena J.
Journal: Radiation Physics and Chemistry
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2018.11.015
Abstract: The upper limit of the energy for epithermal neutrons is usually fixed to 10 keV based on the experience with spectra from reactors used until now for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. The future use of accelerators with this therapy will provide different neutron spectra that require a more detailed study of this upper limit. Using our own Monte Carlo neutron transport code, we have calculated figures of merit on the dose depth profile to find this upper limit. Our results indicate that this upper limit could be incremented up to 15–20 keV under these new conditions.