title: Performance of a gas target neutron source for radiotherapy.
abstract: The performance of a compact and efficient neutron generator, using the 3H(d, n) reaction and a gas target, is reported. The target is formed in a windowless, differentially pumped vessel pressurised to 7.5 Torr. An extended source of 15 MeV neutrons is produced when the target is bombarded by a 10 mA beam of 210 keV deuterons. Measurements are reported of the neutron energy spectra, neutron and gamma-ray dose rates, target lifetime and tritium handling. The neutron flux distribution of the extended target was measured and compared with the predictions of a simple beam-gas interaction model. The measured neutron source strength is 1.7 +/- 0.4 X 10(12) neutrons per second. The source output is limited by target beam current, not target power considerations.
mesh_terms: D003903:Deuterium; D005214:Fast Neutrons; D005720:Gamma Rays; D009502:Neutrons; D010315:Particle Accelerators; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D014316:Tritium
chemical_list: D014316:Tritium; D003903:Deuterium