A simulation study on beam property of 124Sb–Be isotope-based neutron for BNCT. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tanaka, Kenichi; Kajimoto, Tsuyoshi; Sakurai, Yoshinori; Bengua, Gerard; Endo, Satoru
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 164(2020:Oct.)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: BNCT -- Epithermal neutron -- Isotope -- Neutron source -- 124Sb–Be; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109227
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: The 9 Be(γ, n) neutrons with the energies at 21–24 keV generated by 1.691 MeV photons from 124 Sb was investigated as a source of epithermal neutrons for BNCT, using PHITS code. A beam shaping assembly composed of 13 mm thick Be target, a gamma ray shield made of 30 cm thick Bi, and a reflector of 30 cm thick Pb satisfied the beam requirements of IAEA-TECDOC-1223. The needed 124 Sb activity was estimated in the order of 10 16 –10 17 Bq. Feasibility of BNCT using 124 Sb–Be neutrons would be influenced by the capability of periodic supply of short-lived 124 Sb (half-life: 60 days) with such high activity. Highlights: Investigated the beam shaping assembly required for BNCT using 124 Sb–Be neutrons. Proposed a beam shaping assembly consisting of 13 mm Be target, 30 cm Bi gamma shield, and 30 cm Pb reflector. The result satisfied the beam properties proposed in the IAEA tecdoc-1223 and BNCT dose protocol. The required activity of 124 Sb was in the order of 10 16 Bq.