title: Optimization of the beam shaping assembly in the D-D neutron generators-based BNCT using the response matrix method.
abstract: Optimization of the Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA) has been performed using the MCNP4C Monte Carlo code to shape the 2.45 MeV neutrons that are produced in the D-D neutron generator. Optimal design of the BSA has been chosen by considering in-air figures of merit (FOM) which consists of 70 cm Fluental as a moderator, 30 cm Pb as a reflector, 2mm (6)Li as a thermal neutron filter and 2mm Pb as a gamma filter. The neutron beam can be evaluated by in-phantom parameters, from which therapeutic gain can be derived. Direct evaluation of both set of FOMs (in-air and in-phantom) is very time consuming. In this paper a Response Matrix (RM) method has been suggested to reduce the computing time. This method is based on considering the neutron spectrum at the beam exit and calculating contribution of various dose components in phantom to calculate the Response Matrix. Results show good agreement between direct calculation and the RM method.
authors: Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSTRI), Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Tehran 14399-51113, Iran.
authors: Y
authors: Y
authors: Kasesaz
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Khalafi
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Rahmani
mesh_terms: D016754:Boron Neutron Capture Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005214:Fast Neutrons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage
keywords: BNCT; Beam shaping assembly; In-air figures-of-merit; In-phantom figures-of-merit; MCNP4C; Neutron generator; Response matrix