Design and simulation of an optimized e-linac based neutron source for BNCT research

Authors:   Durisi E., Alikaniotis K., Borla O., Bragato F., Costa M., Giannini G., Monti V., Visca L., Vivaldo G., Zanini A.
Journal: Applied Radiation and Isotopes
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.07.039
Abstract: The paper is focused on the study of a novel photo-neutron source for BNCT preclinical research based on medical electron Linacs. Previous studies by the authors already demonstrated the possibility to obtain a mixed thermal and epithermal neutron flux of the order of 107 cm-2 s-1. This paper investigates possible Linac’s modifications and a new photo-converter design to rise the neutron flux above 5 107 cm-2 s-1, also reducing the gamma contamination.