Mini neutron tubes for boron neutron capture therapy and neutron imaging applications

Recent advancements in negative deuterium and negative hydrogen ion source technology, as well as the commercial availability of high-frequency alternating-current high-voltage power supplies, have enabled the development of mini neutron generators using low-energy nuclear reactions. By operating these neutron tubes near the threshold energy of the p-7Li reaction, a useful flux of epithermal energy neutrons can be obtained. The new epithermal neutron sources can be configured for the treatment of deep-seeded tumors through boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), for performing BNCT-brachytherapy or for the determination of 10B distribution in the tumor using the neutron transmission imaging technique. The new epithermal neutron tube is very compact and requires very low power for operation. It can easily combine BNCT with intraoperative radiotherapy or fast neutron therapy to enhance cancer treatment.