| Lu Tianxiang,Zhu Fuhai,Zhao Xipeng,et al.Application of a gold foil activation-based method for measuring neutron fluence for BNCT[J].Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection,2026,46(8):781-787 |
| Application of a gold foil activation-based method for measuring neutron fluence for BNCT |
| Received:February 25, 2026 |
| DOI：10.3760/cma.j.cn112271-20260225-00062 |
| KeyWords:Gamma ray spectrum|Boron neutron capture therapy|Efficiency calibration|Gold foil activation method|Quality control testing |
| FundProject:中国辐射防护研究院自主科研项目(TNMPP-2025-01) |
| Author Name | Affiliation | E-mail | | Lu Tianxiang | National Center for Occupational Safety and Health, National Health Commission, Beijing 102308, China | | | Zhu Fuhai | Panboron (Hainan) BNCT Hospital, Qionghai 571430, China | | | Zhao Xipeng | National Center for Occupational Safety and Health, National Health Commission, Beijing 102308, China | | | Li Yuwen | National Center for Occupational Safety and Health, National Health Commission, Beijing 102308, China | | | Yang Kai | China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China | | | Xiong Qiang | National Center for Occupational Safety and Health, National Health Commission, Beijing 102308, China | | | Wu Zhao | China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China | | | Liang Runcheng | China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China | | | Zhang Zhen | National Center for Occupational Safety and Health, National Health Commission, Beijing 102308, China | zhangzhen04@126.com | | Huang Lihan | Panboron (Hainan) BNCT Hospital, Qionghai 571430, China | |
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| Abstract:: |
| Objective To develop a method for measuring the neutron fluence characteristics of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) devices based on gamma-spectroscopy efficiency calibration and gold foil activation, aiming to provide a technical reference for the quality control testing of neutron fluence for BNCT. Methods Using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometer, this study conducted both active and sourceless efficiency calibrations for a 152Eu point source at 411.1 keV, as well as a sourceless efficiency calibration for a 198Au point source at 411.8 keV, aiming to determine the accuracy of the efficiency through cross-validation. Using the gold foil activation method, this study measured both depth-varying neutron fluence distribution along the beam axis and the neutron fluence symmetry within the irradiation field in a water phantom. By replacing the efficiency value of 198Au at 411.8 keV with the active efficiency value of 152Eu at 411.1 keV, the single nuclear reaction rates of the activated gold wires was calculated and compared with the ex-factory baseline values. Results The relative deviation between the active and sourceless simulated full-energy peak efficiency of 152Eu at 411.1 keV was determined at 2.40%, while that between the former and the sourceless simulated full-energy peak efficiency of 198Au at 411.8 keV measured 2.84%. Both deviations fell within the uncertainty range (3%) of the standard source. The depth-varying neutron fluence characteristics indicated that the single nuclear reaction rates of the activated gold wires peaked at a water depth of 19.5 mm. The relative deviations of the relative reaction rates at water depths of 9.5 and 57 mm from the baseline values were -3.77% and -0.65%, respectively, falling within the permissible error range of ±5% in relevant specifications. The neutron fluence in the irradiation field exhibited a lateral symmetry ranging from 98.7% to 105.9% and a vertical symmetry from 99.9% to 108.0%. The maximum deviation between the symmetries was 8.0%, falling within the threshold (±10%) in relevant specifications. Conclusions The gold foil activation-based method for measuring neutron fluence characteristics proves accurate and reliable. This method can be used to detect the neutron fluence characteristics of BNCT devices, thereby providing an effective reference for quality control and stability testing of BNCT. |
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