Applications of thermal neutron generators driven with a repetitively pulsed electron linac

Abstract

Summary form only given. There are many uses for neutrons in both therapeutic and non-therapeutic applications. Examples of non-therapeutic applications include neutron radiography and Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA). Neutron radiography is used for imaging as well as flaw and crack detection in various materials. PGNAA has many applications, including: explosives detection, waste drum characterization, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) such as measuring chlorine permeation in concrete roadways and bridges, and feed stream analysis such as analyzing coal for the presence of heavy metals. Examples of therapeutic applications include various forms of Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT) and neutron radiotherapy. In clinical applications, NCT often exploits the /sup 10/B(n,&alpha)/sup 7/Li reaction, although other nuclear reactions are possible., A well known example of NCT using, /sup 10/B and epithermal neutrons is Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) for the treatment of brain cancers. A proposed application of NCT utilizing thermal neutrons is Boron Neutron Capture Synovectomy (BNCS) for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease of unknown origin, characterized by swelling and gross inflammation of the joint tissue resulting in pain and disability. RA affects approximately 3% of the population, and women are affected 3 times more often than men. There is no cure for RA, and it usually requires life-long treatment. Thermal neutrons are optimum for BNCS because the target for the therapy, the synovial tissue, lies only 1.5 to 2.0 cm below the surface of the skin. The viable commercial implementation of these applications requires a compact, low cost, high-flux thermal neutron generator. Presently, no such source exists. A neutron source based on the photonuclear dissociation of deuterium and driven by a repetitively pulsed electron linac fitted with a standard X-ray converter holds the promise of fulfilling this role.