BNCT microdosimetry at the tapiro reactor thermal column

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics and Engineering
• Radiation Dosimetry
• Radiobiology

Background:

• The fast reactor TAPIRO at ENEA Casaccia offers a thermal column for research.
• Neutron fields are crucial for dosimetry and radiobiological studies.
• Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) requires precise understanding of neutron fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the neutron field of the TAPIRO reactor's thermal column.
• To evaluate absorbed and biologically effective doses for radiobiological applications.
• To investigate the impact of boron-enriched materials on dose distribution.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a tissue-equivalent proportional counter with both ordinary and boron-enriched cathodes.
• Performed measurements within the TAPIRO reactor's thermal column.
• Employed polyethylene caps of varying thicknesses to modulate the neutron field.
• Calculated absorbed dose and microdosimetric-derived biological effective dose.

Main Results:

• Both absorbed dose and biological effective dose exhibited a peak at approximately 0.5 mg cm(-2) depth.
• Dose components were calculated and analyzed.
• The study provides detailed characterization of the TAPIRO neutron field.

Conclusions:

• The TAPIRO reactor's thermal column is suitable for dosimetric and radiobiological studies.
• Boron enrichment in detectors influences dose measurements.
• Optimal depth for specific radiobiological effects within the studied field was identified.