Neutron Source Based on Vacuum Insulated Tandem Accelerator and Lithium Target

Simple Summary A compact neutron source has been proposed and created at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics in Novosibirsk, Russia. The source comprises an original design tandem accelerator, solid lithium target, and a neutron beam shaping assembly. The neutron source is capable of producing the high neutron flux in various energy ranges, from thermal to fast, for boron neutron capture therapy, as well as for other applications. A lot of scientific research has been carried out at the facility, including the study of blistering and its effect on the neutron yield. The Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) technique is being tested in in vitro and in vivo studies, and the methods of dosimetry are being developed. It is planned to certify the neutron source next year and conduct clinical trials on it. The neutron source served as a prototype for a facility created for a clinic in Xiamen (China). A compact accelerator-based neutron source has been proposed and created at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics in Novosibirsk, Russia. An original design tandem accelerator is used to provide a proton beam. The proton beam energy can be varied within a range of 0.6-2.3 MeV, keeping a high-energy stability of 0.1%. The beam current can also be varied in a wide range (from 0.3 mA to 10 mA) with high current stability (0.4%). In the device, neutron flux is generated as a result of the Li-7(p,n)Be-7 threshold reaction. A beam-shaping assembly is applied to convert this flux into a beam of epithermal neutrons with characteristics suitable for BNCT. A lot of scientific research has been carried out at the facility, including the study of blistering and its effect on the neutron yield. The BNCT technique is being tested in in vitro and in vivo studies, and the methods of dosimetry are being developed. It is planned to certify the neutron source next year and conduct clinical trials on it. The neutron source served as a prototype for a facility created for a clinic in Xiamen (China).

Automated summary

A compact neutron source has been proposed and created at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics in Novosibirsk, Russia, capable of producing high neutron flux for boron neutron capture therapy. Several scientific research activities, including BNCT technique testing and dosimetry method development, have been conducted at the facility. Future plans include certification of the neutron source and clinical trials, with the prototype serving as a basis for a facility in Xiamen (China).