Perspectives of high power pulse generators for the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) of tumors

In this paper, the authors discuss an epithermal neutron source suitable for the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) of tumors based on the /sup 7/Li(p,n)/sup 7/Be reaction. To realize this neutron source, a 5 TW pulse generator, a high power proton diode, and an appropriate target arrangement, all capable to produce up to 500 pulses in a burst mode are required. Unless a very accurate control of the proton energy can be achieved, operation close to the reaction threshold, although leading to a higher useful neutron flux, is not practicable. It is therefore proposed to use a 2.5 MeV proton beam. A new target needs to be injected after every pulse. With a repetition rate of 1 pulse per second, a treatment time of less than 10 minutes can be achieved.