An Epithermal Neutron Beam for Neutron Capture Therapy at the Missouri University Research Reactor

A facility designed to produce a beam of epithermal neutrons for neutron capture therapy is discussed whereby a moderator of Al₂O₃ plus aluminum is placed near the core of the 10-MW Missouri University Research Reactor. This moderator shifts the fast neutrons into the epithermal energy range before they exit toward the patient position. This beam replaces the thermal column of the reactor and has a large source area. With the reactor operating at 10 MW, a very intense, yet predominantly epithermal beam of neutrons is produced by this beam, and these neutrons could be very effective for neutron capture therapy.