Measurement of the Double-Differential Neutron Yield of the 9Be(d,n)10B Reaction in the Low Bombarding Energy Regime

M.E. CAPOULAT; D.M. MINSKY; A.J. KREINER; M.V. INTROINI; A. POLA; M. LORENZOLI; S. AGOSTEO

Legnaro, Padua

Otro; LNL Annual Report 2012; 2013

Trabajo enviado y publicado, sin presencia físicaIn the last few years, the potential use of the 9Be(d,n)10B reaction as an epithermal source of neutrons for BNCT has been thoroughly investigated by our group [1-3]. The computational assessment of deep-seated tumors treatment capability showed that good treatments are feasible using thin beryllium targets and a low-energy and high-current deuteron beam. In particular, MCNP simulations showed that acceptable dose performances can be obtained by means of a 30 mA deuteron beam of ≥ 1.35 MeV and a thin Be target (5-8μm). Deuteron beams of 1.2 MeV may also be useful if the target thickness is increased. These neutron spectra models were constructed from cross-sections and total yield data available in the literature and nuclear data bases. However, in the bombarding energy regime we are interested in, the lack of complete and accurate experimental data makes it necessary to validate the above mentioned neutron source models.In this context, a set of measurements of the double-differential neutron yields produced by 1.2 and 1.35 MeV deuterons through the 9Be(d,n)10B reaction were carried out at the Laboratori Nazionale di Legnaro (LNL).