Thick beryllium target as an epithermal neutron source for neutron capture therapy

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Medical Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Accelerator-based neutron sources are explored as alternatives to nuclear reactors for Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT).
• Lithium targets, while efficient, present challenges due to poor thermal/chemical properties and heat management.
• Beryllium targets offer improved thermal/chemical properties and comparable neutron yields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of using Beryllium targets for generating high-quality, intense epithermal neutron beams for NCT.
• To compare the performance of Beryllium targets with Lithium targets for NCT applications.
• To determine the optimal parameters for a Beryllium-based neutron beam for NCT treatment.

Main Methods:

• Simulation and analysis of neutron and gamma ray production from proton-Beryllium interactions.
• Comparison of neutron beam characteristics (quality and intensity) from optimized Beryllium and Lithium targets.
• Estimation of single-session NCT treatment time using a Beryllium-based neutron beam.

Main Results:

• An optimal Beryllium target, bombarded with 4-MeV protons, can produce an epithermal neutron beam slightly superior in quality and intensity to an optimal Lithium target (2.5-MeV protons).
• Despite potential for more energetic neutrons and gamma rays, Beryllium targets can be optimized for NCT.
• An estimated NCT treatment time of 88 minutes is achievable with a 50 mA proton current using an optimal Beryllium target.

Conclusions:

• Beryllium targets are a viable and potentially advantageous alternative to Lithium for accelerator-based epithermal neutron sources in NCT.
• Optimized Beryllium targets can deliver high-quality and high-intensity neutron beams suitable for clinical NCT applications.
• Further development of Beryllium-based neutron sources could enhance NCT treatment efficiency and accessibility.