Neutron source for neutron capture therapy

Abstract

A method for neutron-capture therapy has steps for emitting fast neutrons from a plurality of target structures by ion bombardment from ion sources DC biased to the target structures, the target structures positioned around a moderator structure composed primarily of moderator material, the moderator structure having a length, an outer periphery, an outer surface, an inside volume, and an inner surface, the inside volume defining a treatment zone, reflecting fast neutrons that are emitted from the target structures in a direction away from the moderator structure, into the moderator structure, by a reflector structure surrounding the moderator structure, the target structures, and the ion sources, moderating fast neutrons passing inward through the moderator structure toward the treatment zone to epithermal energy level, and creating a density of epithermal neutrons in the treatment zone, from neutrons entering the treatment zone across the inner surface of the moderator structure.