Optical diagnostics of negative ion beam transport

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Medical Physics
• Particle Accelerator Technology

Background:

• Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) requires precise control of particle beams.
• Existing diagnostic methods may lack the necessary precision for advanced BNCT applications.
• Monitoring beam position, direction, and dispersion is critical for treatment efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel diagnostic complex for particle beam monitoring.
• To evaluate the precision and accuracy of the diagnostic complex for key beam parameters.
• To investigate methods for enhancing beam intensity for BNCT.

Main Methods:

• Development of a diagnostic complex featuring high-precision sensors.
• Measurement of beam position, propagation direction, angular distribution dispersion, energy spread, and angular divergence.
• Experimental study on the effects of gas addition on beam characteristics.

Main Results:

• Achieved 0.1 mm precision for beam position and 1 mrad for beam direction with a 35 keV H- beam.
• Measured energy spread within 100 eV and angular divergence within 3 mrad.
• Demonstrated that gas addition reduces beam width and enhances negative ion stripping, potentially increasing radiation intensity.

Conclusions:

• The developed diagnostic complex meets the stringent precision requirements for BNCT.
• The findings provide a foundation for advanced particle beam monitoring in therapeutic applications.
• Gas addition presents a viable strategy for optimizing beam intensity in BNCT facilities.