Design of an epithermal neutron beam for BNCT in thermal column of Tehran research reactor

• The feasibility of using thermal column of TRR for BNCT has been investigated.
• A beam shaping assembly has been designed to produce appropriate neutron beam.
• In-phantom parameters have been calculated and analyzed.

The potential of the thermal column of Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) to provide epithermal neutron beam for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) has been investigated using Monte Carlo simulation. A Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA) has been designed and optimized to meet BNCT neutron beam criteria recommended by International Atomic Energy Agency. The suggested BSA configuration in cylindrical geometry consists of 20 cm Al as a moderator, 35 cm Pb as a reflector, two 5 cm Bi slabs as gamma shield, and two 2 mm Cd sheets as thermal neutron filters. The results show that epithermal neutron flux at the exit of the BSA can be 0.65 × 109 n/cm2 s. In-phantom dose analysis indicates that the designed neutron beam can be used for treatment of deep-seated brain tumors in acceptable time.