Evaluation of the characteristics of the neutron beam of a linac-based neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy

Authors:   Kumada H., Takada K., Tanaka S., Matsumoto Y., Naito F., Kurihara T., Sugimura T., Sato M., Matsumura A., Sakurai H., Sakae T.
Journal: Applied Radiation and Isotopes
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109246
Abstract: The linac-base neutron source “iBNCT” developed by the Tsukuba team has begun to generate a large intensity of neutrons. To confirm the applicability of the device to BNCT, several characteristic measurements have been implemented. In a water phantom experiment, when the accelerator was operated with an average current of 1.4 mA, the maximum thermal neutron flux was approximately 7.8 × 108 (n/cm2/s). Results demonstrate the stability of the linac over time, showing its promising potential for future patient treatment.