Characterization of a BNCT beam using neutron activation and indirect neutron radiography

This study aims to measure the neutronic characteristics of the 14-cm diameter boron neutron capture therapy beam at the Tsing Hua Open-pool Reactor and to provide essential information for the neutron source adjustment and validation. The measurements were performed both in air and inside a cubic PMMA phantom at the beam, with and without an 18-cm long extended PE collimator. The neutron intensity was determined by neutron activation analysis; the indirect neutron radiography and the cadmium difference method were coupled to provide the two-dimensional neutron flux distributions.According to the measurements, the angular distribution is highly forward for epithermal neutrons but much more divergent for thermal ones. A PE extended collimator will modify the beam characteristics and could benefit the treatment for head and neck tumors, which often needs higher therapeutical boron dose at the shallow region.