Photoneutron Flux Measurement via Neutron Activation Analysis in a Radiotherapy Bunker with an 18 MV Linear Accelerator


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Cecen Y., GÜLÜMSER T., YAZGAN C., dapo H., ÜSTÜN M., BOZTOSUN İ.

13th International Conference on Radiation Shielding (ICRS) / 19th Topical Meeting of the Radiation-Protection-and-Shielding-Division-of-the-American-Nuclear-Society (RPSD), Paris, Fransa, 3 - 06 Ekim 2016, cilt.153 identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Cilt numarası: 153
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1051/epjconf/201715307006
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Paris
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Fransa
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

In cancer treatment, high energy X-rays are used which are produced by linear accelerators (LINACs). If the energy of these beams is over 8 MeV, photonuclear reactions occur between the bremsstrahlung photons and the metallic parts of the LINAC. As a result of these interactions, neutrons are also produced as secondary radiation products (gamma, n) which are called photoneutrons. The study aims to map the photoneutron flux distribution within the LINAC bunker via neutron activation analysis (NAA) using indium-cadmium foils. Irradiations made at different gantry angles (0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees and 270 degrees) with a total of 91 positions in the Philips SLI-25 linear accelerator treatment room and location-based distribution of thermal neutron flux was obtained. Gamma spectrum analysis was carried out with high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Results of the analysis showed that the maximum neutron flux in the room occurred at just above of the LINAC head (1.2x10(5) neutrons/cm(2).s) which is compatible with an americium-beryllium (Am-Be) neutron source. There was a 90% decrease of flux at the walls and at the start of the maze with respect to the maximum neutron flux. And, just in front of the LINAC door, inside the room, neutron flux was measured less than 1% of the maximum.