Neutronics Analyses of the Radiation Field at the Accelerator-Based Neutron Source of Nagoya University for the BNCT Study

The Nagoya University Accelerator-driven Neutron Source (NUANS) is an accelerator-based neutron source by <sup>7</sup>Li(p,n)<sup>7</sup>Be reaction with a 2.8 MeV proton beam up to 15 mA. The fast neutrons are moderated and shaped to beam with a Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA)....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Takeo Nishitani, Sachiko Yoshihashi, Yuuki Tanagami, Kazuki Tsuchida, Shogo Honda, Atsushi Yamazaki, Kenichi Watanabe, Yoshiaki Kiyanagi, Akira Uritani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-07-01
Series:Journal of Nuclear Engineering
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4362/3/3/12
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Summary:The Nagoya University Accelerator-driven Neutron Source (NUANS) is an accelerator-based neutron source by <sup>7</sup>Li(p,n)<sup>7</sup>Be reaction with a 2.8 MeV proton beam up to 15 mA. The fast neutrons are moderated and shaped to beam with a Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA). NUANS is aiming at the basic study of the Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) such as an in vitro cell-based irradiation experiment using a water phantom. Moreover, the BSA is developed as a prototype of one for human treatment. We have evaluated the radiation field of NUANS by a Monte Carlo code PHITS. It is confirmed that the radiation characteristics at the BNCT outlet meet the requirement of IAEA TECDOC-1223. Additionally, the radiation field in the water phantom located just in front of the BSA outlet is calculated. In the in vitro irradiation experiment, the boron dose of 30 Gy-eq, which is the dose to kill tumor cells, is expected for 20 min of irradiation at the beam current of 15 mA.
ISSN:2673-4362