Thermal neutron dosimeter by synthetic single crystal diamond devices

We report on a new solid state dosimeter based on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) single crystal diamond fabricated at Roma "Tor Vergata" University laboratories. The dosimeter has been specifically designed for direct neutron dose measurements in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The response to thermal neutrons of the proposed diamond dosimeter is directly due to (10)B and, therefore, the dosimeter response is directly proportional to the boron absorbed doses in BNCT. Two single crystal diamond detectors are fabricated in a p-type/intrinsic/metal configuration and are sandwiched together with a boron containing layer in between the metallic contacts (see Fig.1). Neutron irradiations were performed at the Frascati Neutron Generator (FNG) using the 2.5 MeV neutrons produced through the D(d,n)(3)He fusion reaction. Thermal neutrons were then produced by slowing down the 2.5 MeV neutrons using a cylindrical polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) moderator. The diamond dosimeter was placed in the center of the moderator. The products of (10)B(n,alpha)Li nuclear reaction were collected simultaneously giving rise to a single peak. Stable performance, high reproducibility, high efficiency and good linearity were observed.