A comparison between simulation and experimental results for depth profile of 6Li reaction rate in a water phantom of BNCT using a small 6Li-based scintillator neutron detector with an optical fiber. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ishikawa, Akihisa; Yamazaki, Atsushi; Watanabe, Kenichi; Yoshihashi, Sachiko; Uritani, Akira; Tsurita, Yukio; Tsuchida, Kazuki; Kiyanagi, Yoshiaki
• Is Part Of: Radiation measurements. Volume 133(2020:Feb.)
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Small 6Li-based scintillator neutron detector with an optical fiber -- Real-time neutron monitor -- Boron neutron capture therapy -- Thermal neutron distribution -- Quality assurance; Nuclear emulsions -- Periodicals; Particle tracks (Nuclear physics) -- Periodicals; Thermoluminescence -- Periodicals; Cosmic rays -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Measurement -- Periodicals; Radiometry -- Periodicals; Radiation Monitoring -- Periodicals; Émulsions nucléaires -- Périodiques; Particules (Physique nucléaire) -- Traces -- Périodiques; Thermoluminescence -- Périodiques; Rayonnement cosmique -- Périodiques; Radiométrie -- Périodiques; 539.77
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2020.106270
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-4487

Abstract

Abstract: BNCT is a radiation therapy using neutrons. For dosimetry in BNCT, it is important to evaluate the thermal neutron distribution in a water phantom irradiated with neutrons used in the therapy. We proposed application of a small 6 Li-based scintillator neutron detector with an optical fiber into a comparison study between simulation and experimental results in BNCT. In this paper, we compared simulation and experimental results for depth profile of 6 Li(n, α) reaction rate in a water phantom of BNCT using a developed small 6 Li-based scintillator neutron detector. The experimental results well agreed with the simulation ones. However, we found that the self-shielding effect in the detector will be significant even for a small LiF/Eu:CaF2 eutectics scintillator having the mass of 100 μg. We concluded that we have to consider the self-shielding effect in the small 6 Li-based scintillator neutron detector when comparing simulation and experimental results of the 6 Li(n, α) reaction rate in a water phantom. Highlights: A small 6 Li-based scintillator neutron detector with an optical fiber was developed for dosimetry in BNCT. Simulation and experimental results for the depth profile of the 6 Li(n, t)a reaction rate in a water phantom were compared. Both results well agreed if the self-shielding effect in the detector was considered. The recommended mass of the LiF/Eu:CaF2 eutectic scintillator to suppress the self-shielding effect was proposed.