Liquid Li based neutron source for BNCT and science application. (December 2015) - Horiike, H.
Abstract: Liquid lithium (Li) is a candidate material for a target of intense neutron source, heat transfer medium in space engines and charges stripper. For a medical application of BNCT, epithermal neutrons with least energetic neutrons and γ-ray are required so as to avoid unnecessary doses to a patient. This is enabled by lithium target irradiated by protons at 2.5 MeV range, with utilizing the threshold reaction of 7 Li(p, n) 7 Be at 1.88 MeV. In the system, protons at 2.5 MeV penetrate into Li layer by 0.25 mm with dissipating heat load near the surface. To handle it, thin film flow of high velocity is important for stable operation. For the proton accelerator, electrostatic type of the Schnkel or the tandem is planned to be employed. Neutrons generated at 0.6 MeV are gently moderated to epithermal energy while suppressing accompanying γ-ray minimum by the dedicated moderator assembly. Highlights: Liquid lithium (Li) is a candidate material for a target of intense neutron source. An accelerator based neutron source with p-liquid Li target for boron neutron capture therapy is under development in Osaka University, Japan. In our system, the harmful radiation dose due to rays and fast neutrons will be suppressed very low. The system performance are very promising as a state of art cancer treatment system. The project is planned as a joint undertaking between industries and Osaka University.