Neutron spectrometry of the 9Be(d (1.45 MeV), n)10B reaction for accelerator-based BNCT

Abstract The 9 Be(d,n) 10 B reaction was proposed in the past as a neutron source for Accelerator-Based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. Based on numerical models and scarce experimental information about the neutron spectra, it was proven that low energy deuterons on a thin target may provide neutron beams of therapeutic quality. In particular, an 8–9 μm target bombarded by 1.45 MeV deuterons presents itself as a convenient option. The aim of this work is to provide experimental validation to these numerical models. For this purpose, neutron spectra at 0°, 35°, 60°, 90° and 123° from a (9 ± 1) μm 9 Be target were measured at the CN accelerator of the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro. A micro-time projection chamber (μ-TPC) was used as a neutron spectrometer.