Monte Carlo calculation for the development of a BNCT neutron source (1 eV–10 KeV) using MCNP code

Different materials have been studied in order to produce the epithermal neutron beam between 1 eV and 10 KeV, which are extensively used to irradiate patients with brain tumors such as GBM. For this purpose, we have studied three different neutrons moderators (H2O, D2O and BeO) and their combinations, four reflectors (Al2O3, C, Bi, and Pb) and two filters (Cd and Bi). Results of calculation showed that the best obtained assembly configuration corresponds to the combination of the three moderators H2O, BeO and D2O jointly to Al2O3 reflector and two filter Cd + Bi optimize the spectrum of the epithermal neutron at 72%, and minimize the thermal neutron to 4% and thus it can be used to treat the deep tumor brain. The calculations have been performed by means of the Monte Carlo N (particle code MCNP 5C). Our results strongly encourage further studying of irradiation of the head with epithermal neutron fields.