Optimization and designing collimator for boron neutron capture therapy at the thermal column of rtp

Abstract

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a promising method to cure cancer by using interaction between boron compound and the slow neutron beam obtained from nuclear power reactor, nuclear research reactor and neutron generator. Based on the previous feasibility study shows that the thermal column can generate higher thermal neutrons for BNCT application at the TRIGA MARK II reactor. Currently, the facility for BNCT are planned to be developed at thermal column. Thus, the main objective was focused on the optimization of thermal neutron and epithermal neutron flux at the thermal column by designing collimator. This paper briefly goes through the characterization of collimator for the ideal neutron collimator design. Several collimators with variable geometries have been designed using Monte Carlo Simulation Codes of MCNPX. The results are then compared in term of thermal neutron, epithermal neutron and gamma fluxes yielded and the ideal collimator then optimize based on aperture size, shielding thickness and collimator condition This research is useful in the selection of neutron collimator design BNCT facility at the TRIGA MARK II reactor.