Design and simulation of a neutron source based on an electron linear accelerator for BNCT of skin melanoma

The PNS project is devoted to the design and simulation of a Photo-Neutron Source for BNCT using a Varian 2300C/D electron accelerator. This paper describes the production of the high-energy gamma-rays followed by neutron production in (gamma,n) reaction. To optimize the whole setup and maximize the neutron flux, the FLUKA code is employed to simulate the system. The results show the neutron flux creation in the order of 10⁸(n/cm² s) with a neutron spectrum that is practical for superficial cancers treatment using BNCT.