Near threshold ⁷Li(p,n) ⁷Be reaction as neutron source for BNCT
1Gerencia de Investigación y Aplicaciones, CNEA, Av. Gral Paz 1499 (B1650KNA), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, UNSAM, M. de Irigoyen 3100 (1650), San Martín, Argentina; CONICET, Av. Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Summary
Investigating the Lithium-7 (p,n) Beryllium-7 nuclear reaction near threshold produces low-energy neutrons ideal for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). This study optimizes neutron energy for treating deep tumors while minimizing gamma radiation.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Medical Physics
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) requires specific neutron energies for effective tumor treatment.
- The (7)Li(p,n)(7)Be reaction offers a pathway to low-energy neutrons, advantageous for BNCT.
- Optimizing neutron production is crucial for advancing BNCT applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the (7)Li(p,n)(7)Be nuclear reaction for producing neutrons suitable for BNCT.
- To determine optimal bombarding energies and beam incidence angles for neutron generation.
- To assess and minimize undesirable gamma ray production during the reaction.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing proton beams with energies up to 2.05 MeV on Lithium-7 targets.
- Varying beam incidence angles to study their effect on neutron yield and spectra.
- Analyzing gamma ray production via the (7)Li(p,γp')(7)Li reaction.
Main Results:
- Neutron spectra with maximum energies around 100 keV were achieved near the reaction threshold (1.88 MeV).
- Lower neutron energies (around 10 keV) suitable for deep-seated tumor treatment in BNCT are attainable.
- The study characterized gamma production, providing data for its mitigation.
Conclusions:
- The (7)Li(p,n)(7)Be reaction near threshold is a viable method for generating low-energy neutrons for BNCT.
- Optimized conditions can yield neutrons with energies appropriate for treating deep tumors.
- Understanding and controlling gamma production is essential for refining BNCT protocols.
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