Study of characteristics for heavy water photoneutron source in boron neutron capture therapy

TL;DR

This paper explores using bremsstrahlung photon beams from linear accelerators directed at heavy water (D2O) to generate neutrons for boron neutron capture therapy, assessing photonuclear data and source efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of producing neutron sources for BNCT by utilizing heavy water and evaluates its photonuclear characteristics and effectiveness.

Findings

Optimal target thickness for maximum photon flux identified.

Deuterium photonuclear cross section data assessed and compared.

Heavy water photonuclear source evaluated for BNCT applications.

Abstract

Bremsstrahlung photon beams produced by medical linear accelerators are currently the most commonly used method of radiation therapy for cancerous tumors. Photons with energies greater than 8-10 MeV potentially generate neutrons through photonuclear interactions in the accelerator's treatment head, patient's body, and treatment room ambient. Electrons impinging on a heavy target generate a cascade shower of bremsstrahlung photons, the energy spectrum of which shows an end point equal to the electron beam energy. By varying the target thickness, an optimum thickness exists for which, at the given electron energy, maximum photon flux is achievable. If a source of high-energy photons i.e. bremsstrahlung, is conveniently directed to a suitable D2O target, a novel approach for production of an acceptable flux of filterable photoneturons for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) application is possible. This study consists of two parts. 1. Comparison and assessment of deuterium photonuclear cross section data. 2. Evaluation of the heavy water photonuclear source.