Design and simulation of an optimized e-linac based neutron source for BNCT research

The paper is focused on the study of a novel photo-neutron source for BNCT preclinical research based on medical electron Linacs. Previous studies by the authors already demonstrated the possibility to obtain a mixed thermal and epithermal neutron flux of the order of 107 cm−2 s−1. This paper investigates possible Linac's modifications and a new photo-converter design to rise the neutron flux above 5 107 cm−2 s−1, also reducing the gamma contamination.