Neutron transport in a clinical linear accelerator bunker: comparison of materials for reducing the photo-neutron dose at the maze entrance

Megavoltage photons above 10 MeV used in external beam radiotherapy lead to a significant photo-neutron fluence, which must be taken into account in bunker design (IPEM, 1997, Report 75, The design of radiotherapy treatment room facilities). This work describes Monte-Carlo simulations of such neutrons for a proposed bunker, which is to house a 15 MV accelerator. Neutron fluence spectra and absorbed dose due to neutrons and neutron-capture photons were scored at the accelerator iso centre and at the maze entrance for mono-energetic neutron sources of 0.5, 3 and 6 MeV. The reduction in neutron and photon dose at the maze entrance, achieved by cladding concrete maze walls with either wood, polyethylene or a commercially available plastic, was determined.