학술논문

Optimized beam shaping assembly for a 2.1-MeV proton-accelerator-based neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy.
Document Type
Article
Source
Scientific Reports. 4/7/2021, Vol. 11 Issue 1, p1-12. 12p.
Subject
*PROTON accelerators
*NEUTRONS
*BORON-neutron capture therapy
*CLINICAL trials
*HOSPITALS
Language
ISSN
2045-2322
Abstract
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is facing a new era where different projects based on accelerators instead of reactors are under development. The new facilities can be placed at hospitals and will increase the number of clinical trials. The therapeutic effect of BNCT can be improved if a optimized epithermal neutron spectrum is obtained, for which the beam shape assembly is a key ingredient. In this paper we propose an optimal beam shaping assembly suited for an affordable low energy accelerator. The beam obtained with the device proposed accomplishes all the IAEA recommendations for proton energies between 2.0 and 2.1 MeV. In addition, there is an overall improvement of the figures of merit with respect to BNCT facilities and previous proposals of new accelerator-based facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]