Accelerator-based neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy

A beam shaping assembly (BSA), a neutron moderator system, is a key component of an accelerator based boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) facility. The neutron energy recommended in the IAEA TECDOC-1223 for the BNCT is much lower than the energy of the neutrons produced by accelerator induced nuclear reactions. The neutron energy depends on the energy of the incident particle and nuclear reaction. Therefore, the BSA should be designed considering the neutron energy dependency. Now, several kinds of accelerators and reactions are used and proposed. Here, neutron producing reaction, moderator system, and activations are introduced.