High-energy Accelerators Research Articles

High average power ultrafast laser technologies for driving future advanced accelerators

Large scale laser facilities are needed to advance the energy frontier in high energy physics and accelerator physics. Laser plasma accelerators are core to advanced accelerator concepts aimed at reaching TeV electron electron colliders. In these facilities, intense laser pulses drive plasmas and are used to accelerate electrons to high energies in remarkably short distances. A laser plasma accelerator could in principle reach high energies with an accelerating length that is 1000 times shorter than in conventional RF based accelerators. Notionally, laser driven particle beam energies could scale beyond state of the art conventional accelerators. LPAs have produced multi GeV electron beams in about 20 cm with relative energy spread of about 2 percent, supported by highly developed laser technology. This validates key elements of the US DOE strategy for such accelerators to enable future colliders but extending best results to date to a TeV collider will require lasers with higher average power. While the per pulse energies envisioned for laser driven colliders are achievable with current lasers, low laser repetition rates limit potential collider luminosity. Applications will require rates of kHz to tens of kHz at Joules of energy and high efficiency, and a collider would require about 100 such stages, a leap from current Hz class LPAs. This represents a challenging 1000 fold increase in laser repetition rates beyond current state of the art. This whitepaper describes current research and outlook for candidate laser systems as well as the accompanying broadband and high damage threshold optics needed for driving future advanced accelerators.

Conceptual Design of a 20 T Hybrid Cos-Theta Dipole Superconducting Magnet for Future High-Energy Particle Accelerators

High energy physics research will need more and more powerful circular accelerators in the next decades. It is therefore desirable to have dipole magnets able to produce the largest possible magnetic field, in order to keep the machine diameter within a reasonable size. A 20 T dipole is considered a desired achievement since it would allow the construction of an 80 km machine, able to circulate 100 TeV proton beams. In order to reach 20 T, a hybrid Low-Temperature Superconductor (LTS) - High-Temperature Superconductor (HTS) magnet is needed, since LTS technology is presently limited to ∼16 T for accelerator magnet applications. In this paper, we present the design of a 6 layers 20 T hybrid dipole magnet using Nb <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> Sn (LTS) and Bi2212 (HTS). We show that it is possible to achieve this magnetic field with accelerator field quality, with sufficient margin on a realistic conductor, keeping the stresses within safe limit, avoiding conductor degradation.

Study of Light Nuclei Activation in Human Blood During High-Energy Linear Accelerator (Linac) Radiation Therapy

Study of Light Nuclei Activation in Human Blood During High-Energy Linear Accelerator (Linac) Radiation Therapy

Electronics Irradiation With Neutrons at the NEAR Station of the n_TOF Spallation Source at CERN

We study the neutron field at the NEAR station of the neutron time of flight (n_TOF) facility at CERN, through Monte Carlo simulations, well-characterized static random access memories (SRAMs) and radio-photo-luminescence (RPL) dosimeters, with the aim of providing neutrons for electronics irradiation. Particle fluxes and typical quantities relevant for electronics testing were simulated for several test positions at NEAR and compared to those at the CERN high energy accelerator mixed-field facility (CHARM), highlighting similitudes and differences. The SRAM detectors, based on single event upset (SEU) and single event latch-up (SEL) counts, each one with a different energy response, and RPL dosimeters were tested in a reference position and the results were benchmarked to FLUKA simulations. Finally, the neutron spectra at NEAR are compared to those of the most well-known spallation sources and typical environments of interest, for accelerator and atmospheric applications, showing the potential of the facility for electronics irradiation.

An Analysis of the Significance of the 14N(n, p) 14C Reaction for Single-Event Upsets Induced by Thermal Neutrons in SRAMs

The thermal neutron threat to the reliability of electronic devices caused by <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">10</sup> B capture is a recognized issue that prompted changes in the manufacturing process of electronic devices with the aim of limiting as much as possible the presence of this isotope nearby device sensitive volumes. <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">14</sup> N can also capture thermal neutrons and release low-energy protons (through the <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">14</sup> N(n,p) <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">14</sup> C reaction) that have high enough linear energy transfer to cause single-event upsets (SEU). Typically, nitrogen is used in thin barrier layers made of TaN or TiN or even as insulator in the form of Si <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> N <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sub> . Numerical simulations on sensitive volumes calibrated on proton and ion experimental data and with an accurate description of the metallization layer on top of the sensitive region show that the presence of nitrogen in these thin barrier layers can be enough to justify the experimentally observed thermal neutron SEU cross section for a static random access memory sensitive to low-energy protons. Nevertheless, the expected SEU cross section from thermal neutrons is usually a few orders of magnitude lower than that of high-energy particles, therefore, not representing an important threat in atmospheric applications. At the same time, for high-energy accelerators, the contribution to the total soft error rate could become substantial, though easy to handle by margins.

Radiological Characterization with a Fluence Conversion Coefficients–Based Method: A Practical Example of the Preparatory Studies to the Pilot Beam at the CERN Large Hadron Collider

At high-energy accelerator facilities like the ones that are part of the accelerator complex at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Monte Carlo radiation transport codes are widely employed to face the challenges of estimating radionuclide production yields and activities with the aim of performing the radiological characterization of activated components. Indeed, it is of paramount importance to ensure adequate radiation protection during scheduled maintenance, transport, and handling of these components and to establish their proper disposal pathway once they ultimately reach the end of their useful life. This paper summarizes the principles of the fluence conversion coefficients method that was developed as a complementary approach for radiological characterization studies. Then, the Monte Carlo simulations in preparation to the pilot beam run at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in 2021 are presented as a practical example of possible applications. Finally, the flexibility of the method and the most relevant operational radiation protection implications are discussed in relation to the provided example.

Analysis of frequency chirping on the electron bunch acceleration during Laguerre–Gauss laser interaction

We intend to examine the impact of frequency chirping on the efficient vacuum acceleration of an electron bunch using a chirped Laguerre–Gauss (LG) laser pulse. The study demonstrates that achieving high-energy electron acceleration relies not only on significant pulse asymmetry but also on ensuring phase synchronization in the LG laser interaction. The findings highlight the feasibility of generating outgoing electron bunches with high energy and low divergence through the selection of an optimal chirping value. Furthermore, we establish that chirping the LG laser pulse facilitates the acceleration of electrons to high energy using a lower laser intensity compared to the scenario without chirping.

DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING THE QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM ON A LINEAR ACCELERATOR

Relevance: The article deals with modern problems in the field of ensuring the quality of services provided on linear accelerators from the point of view of the regulatory framework, as well as from the point of view of the frequency of control procedures. The scientific novelty lies in elaborating a linear accelerator quality control program with detailed procedure descriptions and testing frequency recommendations.&#x0D; The study aimed to – develop and test a set of simple methods for controlling the linear accelerator’s mechanical and dosimetric parameters, which would meet the minimum requirements for high-tech radiation therapy following IAEA and AAPM international recommendations.&#x0D; Methods: In developing the quality control program for the TrueBeamSTx linear accelerator (Varian, USA) installed at the Almaty Oncological Center (AOC, Kazakhstan), we relied on the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), taking into account that intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT, VMAT), stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS, SRT), using image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) will be performed on the accelerator, which imposes more stringent requirements for control of both mechanical and dosimetry characteristics&#x0D; Results: Over three years of operation, the TrueBeamSTx accelerator shows good stability of mechanical and dosimetric characteristics, verified using systematic tests according to the quality control program developed by the authors of this article. The IAEA/WHO mail dose monitoring program using radiophotoluminescent detectors, implemented in 2019-2022, showed high dosimetric measurements and calculations accuracy of 0.1-1.7%, at a tolerance of 5%.&#x0D; Conclusion: A quality control program for a high-energy linear accelerator has been developed; the results obtained for all characteristics correspond to the permissible values. The effective and safe use of radiotherapy requires the development of a quality control program for all radiotherapy equipment specifically for each institution and independent verification of the implementation of this program.

DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING THE QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM ON A LINEAR ACCELERATOR

Relevance: The article deals with modern problems in the field of ensuring the quality of services provided on linear accelerators from the point of view of the regulatory framework, as well as from the point of view of the frequency of control procedures. The scientific novelty lies in elaborating a linear accelerator quality control program with detailed procedure descriptions and testing frequency recommendations.&#x0D; The study aimed to – develop and test a set of simple methods for controlling the linear accelerator’s mechanical and dosimetric parameters, which would meet the minimum requirements for high-tech radiation therapy following IAEA and AAPM international recommendations.&#x0D; Methods: In developing the quality control program for the TrueBeamSTx linear accelerator (Varian, USA) installed at the Almaty Oncological Center (AOC, Kazakhstan), we relied on the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), taking into account that intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT, VMAT), stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS, SRT), using image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) will be performed on the accelerator, which imposes more stringent requirements for control of both mechanical and dosimetry characteristics&#x0D; Results: Over three years of operation, the TrueBeamSTx accelerator shows good stability of mechanical and dosimetric characteristics, verified using systematic tests according to the quality control program developed by the authors of this article. The IAEA/WHO mail dose monitoring program using radiophotoluminescent detectors, implemented in 2019-2022, showed high dosimetric measurements and calculations accuracy of 0.1-1.7%, at a tolerance of 5%.&#x0D; Conclusion: A quality control program for a high-energy linear accelerator has been developed; the results obtained for all characteristics correspond to the permissible values. The effective and safe use of radiotherapy requires the development of a quality control program for all radiotherapy equipment specifically for each institution and independent verification of the implementation of this program.

Production of neptunium and plutonium nuclides from uranium carbide using 1.4-GeV protons

Accelerator-based techniques are one of the leading ways to produce radioactive nuclei. In this work, the isotope separation on-line method was employed at the CERN-ISOLDE facility to produce neptunium and plutonium from a uranium carbide target material using 1.4-GeV protons. Neptunium and plutonium were laser-ionized and extracted as 30-keV ion beams. A multireflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer was used for ion identification by means of time-of-flight measurements as well as for isobaric separation. Isotope shifts were investigated for the 395.6-nm ground state transition in ${}^{236,237,239}\mathrm{Np}$ and the 413.4-nm ground state transition in ${}^{236,239,240}\mathrm{Pu}$. Rates of ${}^{235--241}\mathrm{Np}$ and ${}^{234--241}\mathrm{Pu}$ ions were measured and compared with predictions of in-target production mechanisms simulated with geant4 and fluka to elucidate the processes by which these nuclei, which contain more protons than the target nucleus, are formed. ${}^{241}\mathrm{Pu}$ is the heaviest nuclide produced and identified at a proton-accelerator-driven facility to date. We report the availability of neptunium and plutonium as two additional elements at CERN-ISOLDE and discuss the limit of accelerator-based isotope production at high-energy proton accelerator facilities for nuclides in the actinide region.

An Overview of Multibeam Klystron Technology

The multibeam klystron (MBK) is a compact high-power microwave vacuum electronic device that features low beam voltage, high efficiency, wide bandwidth, and low volume and weight. Since the 1960s, high-performance broadband MBKs have been developed that cover the entire microwave frequency band with relative instantaneous bandwidths <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$&gt;$</tex-math> </inline-formula> 15%, peak power <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$&gt;$</tex-math> </inline-formula> 1 MW, average power up to 40 kW, and efficiencies <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$&gt;$</tex-math> </inline-formula> 40%. In recent years, driven by the needs of high-energy particle accelerators, ultra high frequency (UHF) and <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\textit{L}$</tex-math> </inline-formula> -band MBKs with peak powers of more than 20 MW and efficiencies of nearly 80% are being developed. This article presents an overview of the development of broadband MBKs used in microwave electronic systems, such as radar and communication, and high-power MBKs used in the RF systems of particle accelerators. It also introduces the latest progress and development trends in MBKs leading to higher frequency, output power, bandwidth, efficiency, and lifetime.

Design and low-power measurement of 1.5 GHz TM020-type harmonic cavity for KEK future synchrotron light source

We designed a normal-conducting (NC) 1.5 GHz harmonic cavity that can be used in a future synchrotron light source at High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK). By utilizing a higher TM020 mode for beam acceleration, this cavity has lower R/Q and higher unloaded Q as compared to those of conventional NC cavities. These features are advantageous in reducing the fluctuations in harmonic RF voltages when the bunch gaps are introduced. Harmful parasitic modes other than the TM020 mode can be heavily damped using coaxial slots located at the node of the TM020 mode. We made a concerted effort to lower the coupling impedances of parasitic modes while maintaining high Q value of the accelerating mode. We found that maintaining the axial symmetry of the cavity is essential for minimizing the leakage power of the accelerating mode into the coaxial slots. In this article, we present the optimization of the cavity shape, low-power measurement, and the basic design of a high-power model.

Benchmark Experiments for Bulk and Maze Shielding Using Activation Detectors with 24-GeV/c Protons at CERN/CHARM

Measurements of high-energy neutrons through shield penetration and maze streaming were performed at the Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire (CERN) High-energy Accelerator Mixed-Field (CHARM) facility. The protons of 24 GeV/c were injected onto a 50-cm-thick copper target and the released neutrons were transmitted through shields and a maze in the facility. The transmitted neutrons in the shield and maze were measured using activation detectors placed behind various materials and thicknesses of the shields and at several locations in the maze. From the radionuclide production rates in the activation detectors, the attenuation profiles though the shield thickness and along the maze were obtained for the reactions of 209Bi(n,xn)210-xBi(x = 4–9), 27Al(n,α)24Na, 115In(n,n’)115mIn, and 12C(n,2n)11C. Monte Carlo simulations were performed with three codes, PHITS, FLUKA, and GEANT, which had good agreement with the measurements within a factor of 2 for the production rates.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and prediction of induced radioactivity components for high-energy electron accelerator

The objective of this research was to predict the induced activation in high-energy particle accelerator components to determine the isotope inventories and remanent dose rates for considering the replacement materials. The long-lived radionuclides produced by nuclear reactions caused biological health effects to human as well as environmental impacts. The bremsstrahlung photon beam by the high-energy electron accelerator produced the radioactive nuclei from direct interactions or indirect interactions. The study highlighted the determination of chemical compositions and the estimation of induced activation in particle accelerator components. The elemental compositions of materials were investigated by the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique. The heavy metal elements were detected with different percentages, i.e., Zr, Zn, Ti, Pb, Ni, Mn, Fe and Cu. To calculate the induced activation in the materials, the FLUKA simulation was performed. The 1.2 GeV high-energy electron beam had been defined to irradiate the materials for this simulation. The daughter nuclei were obtained, and their decay followed. The estimation of the residual dose rate in activated materials after various cooling times from the end of the irradiation was presented.

Exploring the Emission Mechanisms of Mrk 180 with Long-term X-Ray and γ-Ray Data

Markarian (Mrk) 180 is a BL Lacertae object located at a redshift of 0.045 and is a potential candidate for high-energy cosmic-ray acceleration. We have analyzed the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT) γ-ray data of Mrk 180 collected over a period of 12.8 yr and found no significant enhancement in the flux from the long-term γ-ray light curve. We have also analyzed Swift X-ray, ultraviolet, and optical, and X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) data to construct the multiwavelength spectral energy distribution (SED). The SED has been modeled with one-zone pure leptonic and lepto-hadronic scenarios to explain the underlying physics of multiwavelength emission. The pure leptonic model and the two lepto-hadronic models, viz., (i) line-of-sight interactions of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs; E ≳ 1017 eV) with the cosmic background radiation and (ii) the interactions of relativistic protons with the cold protons in the jet, have been compared in our work. Moreover, an earlier study has associated Mrk 180 with the Telescope Array (TA) hotspot of UHECRs at E > 57 EeV. This speculation motivates us to check whether ultrahigh-energy protons and iron nuclei can reach the Earth from Mrk 180. After comparing the results of our simulation with the current observational data, we find that Mrk 180 is unlikely to be a source of the UHECR events contributing to the TA hotspot for conservative strengths of extragalactic magnetic fields.

Fourth generation switching power supply for circular induction accelerators.

A switching power supply (SPS) was applied as the high-frequency bipolar high-voltage pulse source required to accelerate charged particles in the induction synchrotron, which was a novel synchrotron proposed at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) in 2006, and it was also used in other circular induction accelerators proposed thereafter, including the induction sector cyclotron and the induction microtron. As the heart of the circular induction accelerator, the SPS has recently been developed up to a fourth generation system that uses newly developed 3.3kV high-speed SiC metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors(MOSFETs). The updates involved in this new SPS include the use of two parallel MOSFETs in each arm to shunt heat dissipation at high frequencies, optimization of the bus pattern, with low parasitic capacitance among the arms to improve the drain-source voltage (VDS) balance, and addition of current sampling circuits to provide an economical method to monitor the operating status in large-scale application scenarios. The heat power and temperature characteristics of the MOSFETs were studied specifically in both individual tests and SPS tests. To date, the new SPS has achieved 2.5 kV-17.4A bipolar output at 350kHz in continuous mode operation. The highest junction temperature of the MOSFETs was estimated to be 98 °C.

Comparison and estimation of photoneutron dose produce between 10 MV flattened and unflattened beam in Elekta Versa HD™ medical linac.

In a high-energy medical linear accelerator (linac), if the interaction of photon energy is higher than the neutron binding energy of high atomic material, it emits a neutron field through photonuclear (γ, n) reaction. The current study, evaluates the photoneutron dose equivalent (PNDE) produced between the 10 MV flattened and unflattened beams as a function of field sizes in the Elekta Versa HD™ linac. The PNDE produced from Versa linac was recorded along the patient plane using the bubble detector personal neutron dosimeter and from the measured PNDE values, the theoretical PNDE values were simulated for various field sizes using nonlinear least-squares curve-fitting as a function of a polynomial. The percentage of deviation (PoD) and Chi-square (χ2) tests were performed between the measured and simulated PNDE values to study the reliability and validity. The results show that the mean PoD between the measured and simulated PNDE values for respective positions of a field size of FF beam was found to be -1.99% for 0.3×0.3, -4.39% for 5×5, -3.868% for 10×10, 0.590% for 15×15, 9.18% for 20×20, -4.133% for 25×25, and 0.467% for 30×30 cm2. Similarly, the mean PoD between the measured and simulated PNDE values for flattening filter-free (FFF) beam was found to be 1.36% for 0.3×0.3, -1.39% for 5×5, -5.38% for 10×10, 4.41% for 15×15, 3.84% for 20×20, 5.69% for 25×25, and -1.75% for 30×30 cm2. The maximum deviation between the measured and simulated PNDE values lies within the range ± 5%. From the study, it is observed that the FFF beam produces lesser neutron contamination than the FF beam.

Development of a prototype superconducting radio-frequency cavity for conduction-cooled accelerators

The higher efficiency of superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities compared to normal-conducting ones enables the development of high-energy continuous-wave linear accelerators (linacs). Recent progress in the development of high-quality Nb$_3$Sn film coatings along with the availability of cryocoolers with high cooling capacity at 4 K makes it feasible to operate SRF cavities cooled by thermal conduction at relevant accelerating gradients for use in accelerators. A possible use of conduction-cooled SRF linacs is for environmental applications, requiring electron beams with energy of $1 - 10$ MeV and 1 MW of power. We have designed a 915 MHz SRF linac for such an application and developed a prototype single-cell cavity to prove the proposed design by operating it with cryocoolers at the accelerating gradient required for 1 MeV energy gain. The cavity has a $\sim 3$ $\mu$m thick Nb$_3$Sn film on the inner surface, deposited on a $\sim4$ mm thick bulk Nb substrate and a bulk $\sim7$ mm thick Cu outer shell with three Cu attachment tabs. The cavity was tested up to a peak surface magnetic field of 53 mT in liquid He at 4.3 K. A horizontal test cryostat was designed and built to test the cavity cooled with three Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers. The rf tests of the conduction-cooled cavity, performed at General Atomics, achieved a peak surface magnetic field of 50 mT and stable operation was possible with up to 18.5 W of rf heat load. The peak frequency shift due to microphonics was 23 Hz. These results represent the highest peak surface magnetic field achieved in a conduction-cooled SRF cavity to date and meet the requirements for a 1 MeV energy gain.

Challenges in commissioning the "TSET" technique: A new approach towards monitor unit calculation and beam profile measurements.

Total skin electron beam therapy, commonly known as TSET, is a good choice of treatment for patients suffering from mycosis fungoides. The aim of this study was to introduce a new approach to the beam profile measurement using diodes and to calculate the monitor units required for the TSET treatment by the use of a simple setup of output measurement. Dosimetric measurements required for the treatment were taken to establish the Stanford technique in the department, and the measured data was compared with the published data. High-energy Linear Accelerator Clinac-DHX, Varian medical system, Palo Alto, CA, was commissioned for TSET. The output of the machine was measured by the use of a Parallel-Plate Chamber (PPC40) as per the TRS 398 recommendation. Diode dosimeters (EDD2 and EDD5) were used for beam profile measurements due to easy setup and to reduce the measurement time. Homogeneous dose distribution within a field size of 80 cm x160 cm was observed with the variation of -5.0% on the horizontal axis and -5.4% on the vertical axis. The calculated monitor unit to deliver 200 cGy per fraction per field at the source to surface (SSD) of 416 cm was 489 MU. The technique described for the output measurements is simple and accurate. Results of the absorbed dose and MU measured were within good agreement compared to the published literature.

MCNPX Estimation of Photoneutron Dose to Eye Voxel Anthropomorphic Phantom From 18MV Linear Accelerator.

The dose due to photoneutron contamination outside the field of irradiation can be significant when using high-energy linear accelerators. The eye is a radiation-sensitive organ, and this risk increases when high linear energy transfer neutron radiation is involved. This study aimed to provide a fast method to estimate photoneutron dose to the eye during radiotherapy. A typical high-energy linear accelerator operating at 18MV was simulated using the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code System extended version (MCNPX 2.5.0). The latest International Atomic Energy Agency photonuclear data library release was integrated into the code, accounting for the most known elements and isotopes used in typical linear accelerator construction. The photoneutron flux from a 5 × 5cm2 field size was scored at the treatment table plane and used as a new source for estimating the absorbed dose in a high-resolution eye voxel anthropomorphic phantom. In addition, common shielding media were tested to reduce the photoneutron dose to the eye using common shielding materials. Introducing a 2cm thickness of common neutron shielding medium reduced the total dose received in the eye voxel anthropomorphic phantom by 54%. In conclusion, individualized treatment based on photoneutron dose assessment is essential to better estimate the secondary dose inside or outside the field of irradiation.