Development of a Tandem-Electrostatic-Quadrupole facility for Accelerator-Based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Medical Physics
• Accelerator Science

Background:

• Accelerator-Based Neutron Capture Therapy (AB-NCT) offers a promising alternative to reactor-based sources.
• Developing compact and efficient proton accelerators is crucial for the widespread adoption of AB-NCT.
• The Tandem-ElectroStatic-Quadrupole (TESQ) accelerator design presents a potential solution for AB-NCT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the current status and progress of a project developing a TESQ accelerator facility.
• To outline the design goals for a machine capable of delivering 30 mA of 2.4 MeV protons.
• To detail advancements in key areas of the ongoing TESQ accelerator construction.

Main Methods:

• Description of the ongoing development of a folded TESQ accelerator.
• Focus on a high-voltage terminal operating at 0.6 MV.
• Integration of the accelerator with a neutron production target utilizing the (7)Li(p,n)(7)Be reaction.

Main Results:

• Progress has been achieved in multiple facets of the TESQ accelerator development.
• The current construction phase involves a folded TESQ configuration.
• Key components and systems are under development to meet project specifications.

Conclusions:

• The project is progressing towards the development of a novel TESQ accelerator for AB-BNCT.
• The current design and construction efforts are focused on achieving the target proton beam specifications.
• Further advancements in accelerator technology are expected to facilitate clinical applications of AB-BNCT.