The first-harmonic eigenvalue separation, the difference between the fundamental and the first order eigenvalues of the higher harmonic neutron transport equations, which were measured at the Kyoto University Critical Assembly (KUCA) has been analyzed. A method was proposed to calculate the first order eigenvalue based on the discrete ordinate method. The 3-D effect, energy group effect, mesh size effect, and transport effect were investigated. Among these effects, the transport effect was significant and when it was taken into account, the calculated eigenvalue separation approached the measured value on the KUCA coupled-core.

In order to determine 10B concentrations in a tumour in vivo without injuring tissues, phantom experiments and calculations were carried out for boron neutron capture therapy. The experiment was based on prompt gamma ray spectroscopy and a single-crystal silicon-filtered neutron beam from a TRIGA-II reactor. Calibration curves to determine the 10B concentrations in the tumours were experimentally generated from known 10B values for simulated tumours with various volumes in a phantom. The 10B distributions in a tumour were also investigated and it was possible to distinguish the tumour with 10B from normal tissue without 10B. In addition, the 10B concentrations were estimated by calculations. A two-dimensional discrete ordinate transport code, DOT3.5, was employed for the calculations of the neutron fluence rate distributions in a phantom. The number of incidental gamma rays entering a germanium detector, which were produced in a tumour as a result of neutron reaction, were calculated by an analytical method. The results were in good agreement with the experiments.

One of the two overriding conditions for successful BNCT is that there must be a sufficient number of thermal neutrons delivered to each of the boronated cells in the tumour bed (target volume). Despite the poor experience with BNCT in the USA some 40 years ago, the continued apparent success of BNCT in Japan since 1968, lead indirectly to the re-start of clinical trials on BNCT in 1994 at both Brookhaven and MIT. Similar trials will start soon at Petten in Europe. At other centres worldwide, many neutron beam designs are being proposed with either thermal or epithermal neutrons, emanating predominantly from nuclear research reactors. It is apparent that whilst the success of BNCT depends on a suitable neutron beam, there is a diversity in available designs, as well as each proposed type of neutron source, with consequently different characteristics of the emergent neutron beam. The paper presents the historical development of neutron beams used for BNCT, addresses the requirements on the types of beams, describes some of the existing designs and other proposals elsewhere and lastly, considers the broader requirements in designing NCT facilities. The focus of the paper is on treatment of brain cancer, neutron beam requirements for other types of cancer may vary.

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