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Olivares Herrador, J., Wroe, L. M., Latina, A., Corsini, R., Wuensch, W., Stapnes, S., et al. (2026). Feasibility of High-Intensity Electron Linacs as Drivers for Compact Neutron Sources. IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci., 73(1), 2–11.
Abstract: The increasing demand for neutron production facilities is driven both by the growing use of neutrons in a wide range of applications and by the progressive shutdown of major existing sources. These trends highlight the need for efficient and compact alternatives to traditional spallation and reactor-based systems. In this context, the present work investigates the potential of normal-conducting compact electron linacs, operating in the energy range of 20-500 MeV, as drivers for neutron generation. Using detailed G4beamline simulations, the optimal dimensions of a tungsten target are determined, and the resulting neutron emission spectrum is characterized. Two electron linac designs are evaluated as drivers for such a target: the HPCI X-band linac and the CTF3 drive-beam S-band linac. The study demonstrates that neutron source strengths up to 1.5 x 10(15) n/s can be achieved, with energy consumption per neutron produced as low as 5.6 x 10-(10) J/n. These findings suggest that electron-linac-based neutron sources offer a compact and energy-efficient solution suitable for a wide range of applications in research, industry, and medicine.
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Torres-Sanchez, P., Lerendegui-Marco, J., Balibrea-Correa, J., Babiano-Suarez, V., Gameiro, B., Ladarescu, I., et al. (2025). The potential of the i-TED Compton camera array for real-time boron imaging and determination during treatments in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. Appl. Radiat. Isot., 217, 111649–9pp.
Abstract: This paper explores the adaptation and application of i-TED Compton imagers for real-time dosimetry in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). The i-TED array, previously utilized in nuclear astrophysics experiments at CERN, is being optimized for detecting and imaging 478 keV gamma-rays, critical for accurate BNCT dosimetry. Detailed Monte Carlo simulations were used to optimize the i-TED detector configuration and enhance its performance in the challenging radiation environment typical of BNCT. Additionally, advanced 3D image reconstruction algorithms, including a combination of back-projection and List-Mode Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization (LM-MLEM), are implemented and validated through simulations. Preliminary experimental tests at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) demonstrate the potential of i-TED in simplified conditions, with ongoing experiments focusing on testing imaging capabilities in realistic BNCT conditions.
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