Study on the optimal incident proton energy of ⁷Li(p, n)⁷Be neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is recognized as a precise binary targeted radiotherapy technique that effectively eliminates tumors through the ¹⁰B(n,α)⁷Li nuclear reaction. Among various neutron sources, accelerator-based sources have emerged as particularly promising for BNCT applications. The ⁷Li(p,n)⁷Be reaction is highly regarded as a potential neutron source for BNCT, owing to its low threshold energy for the reaction, significant neutron yield, appropriate average neutron energy, and additional benefits. This study utilized Monte Carlo simulations to model the physical interactions within a lithium target subjected to proton bombardment, including neutron moderation by an MgF₂ moderator and subsequent BNCT dose analysis using a Snyder head phantom. The study focused on calculating the yields of epithermal neutrons for various incident proton energies, finding an optimal energy at 2.7 MeV. Furthermore, the Snyder head phantom was employed in dose simulations to validate the effectiveness of this specific incident energy when utilizing a ⁷Li (p,n)⁷Be neutron source for BNCT purposes.