Development of real-time epithermal neutron detector for boron neutron capture therapy

The real-time detection of epithermal neutrons forms an important aspect of boron neutron capture therapy. In this context, we developed an epithermal neutron detector based on the combination of a small Eu:LiCaAlF6 scintillator and a quartz fiber in order to fulfill the irradiation-field requirements for boron neutron capture therapy. The irradiation test is performed with the use of a reactor-based neutron source. The thermal and epithermal neutron sensitivities of our epithermal neutron detector are estimated to be 9.52 x 10(-8) +/- 1.59 x 10(-8) cm(2) and 1.20 x 10(-6) cm(2) +/- 8.96 x 10(-9) cm(2), respectively. We also subject the developed epithermal neutron detector to actual irradiation fields, and we confirm that the epithermal neutron flux can be measured in realtime. Published by AIP Publishing.