Optimization of the beam shaping assembly in the D–D neutron generators-based BNCT using the response matrix method

Optimization of the Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA) has been performed using the MCNP4C Monte Carlo code to shape the 2.45 MeV neutrons that are produced in the D–D neutron generator. Optimal design of the BSA has been chosen by considering in-air figures of merit (FOM) which consists of 70 cm Fluental as a moderator, 30 cm Pb as a reflector, 2 mm 6Li as a thermal neutron filter and 2 mm Pb as a gamma filter. The neutron beam can be evaluated by in-phantom parameters, from which therapeutic gain can be derived. Direct evaluation of both set of FOMs (in-air and in-phantom) is very time consuming. In this paper a Response Matrix (RM) method has been suggested to reduce the computing time. This method is based on considering the neutron spectrum at the beam exit and calculating contribution of various dose components in phantom to calculate the Response Matrix. Results show good agreement between direct calculation and the RM method. - Highlights: • We optimized the BSA to shape 2.45 MeV DD neutrons for BNCT using MCNP4C code. • Optimal design of BSA has been chosen by considering in-air figures of merit. • Response Matrix (RM) method has been suggested to reduce the computing time