Development of beryllium-based neutron target system with three-layer structure for accelerator-based neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy. (December 2015) - Kumada, Hiroaki
Abstract: The iBNCT project team with University of Tsukuba is developing an accelerator-based neutron source. Regarding neutron target material, our project has applied beryllium. To deal with large heat load and blistering of the target system, we developed a three-layer structure for the target system that includes a blistering mitigation material between the beryllium used as the neutron generator and the copper heat sink. The three materials were bonded through diffusion bonding using a hot isostatic pressing method. Based on several verifications, our project chose palladium as the intermediate layer. A prototype of the neutron target system was produced. We will verify that sufficient neutrons for BNCT treatment are generated by the device in the near future. Highlights: Beryllium is applied to neutron target material for accelerator based neutron source. Three-layer structure for the beryllium-based target system was developed. Regarding intermediate material, hydrogen-storing material is used to suppress blistering. The three materials are bonded through diffusion bonding using a hot isostatic pressing method. Palladium is applied as the intermediate material of the target system. Prototype of the three-layer structure target system was installed in accelerator based neutron source for BNCT device.