Drivers for Low Cost, Ultra-Compact, Epithermal Neutron Sources for BNCT

70089 Recent clinical trials have cast doubt on the efficacy of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) using low energy, reactor generated neutron beams. It has been predicted that a higher energy neutron beam would be much more effective in treating brain tumors via BNCT. Therefore, this project will design, develop, and test a compact neutron generator technology with neutron energy spectra highly optimized for BNCT trials. The compact power electronics will be integrated into an advanced neutron tube design at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). In Phase I, the key power electronics elements for driving the neutron tube will be designed, fabricated, tested, and validated. A high power, compact neutron system will be designed for the Phase II effort. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The compact neutron source technology should result in a high energy, neutron source tailored for maximum efficacy of BNCT. Other applications include counterterrorism/counterdrug detection of explosives, nuclear materials, and illicit drugs.