Published November 7, 2005 | Version v1
Journal article

Study of the neutron field in the vicinity of an unshielded PET cyclotron

  • 1. Dpto. Fisica Teorica, Atomica y Optica, Universidad de Valladolid (Spain)
  • 2. Servicio de Medicina Nuclear, ClInica Universitaria de Navarra (Spain)
  • 3. Dpto. Estudios Nucleares, IngenierIa Electrica, Matematicas, Universidad Autonoma de Zacatecas (Mexico)
  • 4. Hospital Universitario RIo Hortega, Valladolid (Spain)

Description

The neutron field in the proximity of an unshielded PET cyclotron was investigated during 18F radioisotope production with an 18 MeV proton beam. Thermoluminescent detector (TLD) models TLD600 and TLD700 as well as Bonner moderating spheres were irradiated at different positions inside the vault room where the cyclotron is located to determine the thermal neutron flux, neutron spectrum and dose equivalent. Furthermore, from a combination of measurements and Monte Carlo simulations the neutron source intensity at the target was estimated. The resulting intensity is in good agreement with the IAEA recommendations. Neutron doses derived from the measured spectra were found to vary between 7 and 320 mSv per 1 μA h of proton-integrated current. Finally, gamma doses were determined from TLD700 readings and amounted to around 10% of the neutron doses

Availability note (English)

Available online at http://stacks.iop.org/0031-9155/50/5141/pmb5_21_013.pdf or at the Web site for the journal Physics in Medicine and Biology (ISSN 1361-6560) http://www.iop.org/

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Physics in Medicine and Biology
Journal Volume
50
Journal Issue
21
Journal Page Range
p. 5141-5152
ISSN
0031-9155
CODEN
PHMBA7