A new detector concept based on the prompt gamma radiation analysis for In vivo boron monitoring in BNCT

Abstract

The problem of boron concentration monitoring during the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) therapy is one of the main challenges of this type of radiotherapy and is directly related to the nature of the interaction of neutrons with mater. Among the available in vivo methods of boron monitoring positron emission tomography seems to be very promising but it requires a new boron carrier with a β+ emitter, which is not yet clinically available. An alternative solution may be the prompt gamma radiation analysis (PGRA) based on the secondary radiation emitted in the interaction of neutrons with the patient’s tissues. This method requires, however, compact gamma radiation detection systems sustaining high counting rates and characterized by very good energy resolution. In this contribution, we present state-of-the-art solutions for monitoring in BNCT based on PGRA. Moreover, we describe a new concept of such a system based on position-sensitive scintillator detectors equipped with an anti-Compton shield and data analysis supported with modern artificial intelligence algorithms.

Performance of the SABAT Neutron-Based Explosives Detector Integrated with an Unmanned Ground Vehicle: A Simulation Study

“…One such solution may be the Thermo Fisher Scientific P-320 source [10]. We propose using compact scintillating detectors based on LaBr 3 :Ce:Sr crystals [11] read out by a matrix of silicon photomultipliers (SiMPs), providing a determination of the position of the γ-ray hit [12]. We plan to use an active cover of the main scintillating crystal, which may further decrease the background and the time needed to gather sufficient data to detect the threat [13].…”

“…We plan to use an active cover of the main scintillating crystal, which may further decrease the background and the time needed to gather sufficient data to detect the threat [13]. The γ-ray detector used in the SABAT sensor is characterized by a very good energy resolution (~3% at the 662 keV line) and acceptable timing properties (~500 ps time measurement resolution) [12]. As presented in Figure 1, signals from both the neutron generator and γ-rays detector are transferred to the data acquisition system (DAQ), which is able to register their times of arrival and charges.…”