Patent Number: 053923197
Section: abstract

System and apparatus for producing neutron beams having an energy spectrum and intensity suitable for use in neutron capture therapy. The apparatus employs a rotating carriage which supports an annular target support region carrying a target material such as lithium metal. The carriage rotatably positions the target material before the pathway of charged particles generated from an accelerator course of ions. To cool the assemblage, the carriage is formed having an internally disposed chamber within which a coolant is directed from an external source. Because of the centrifugal forces imposed upon this internally-disposed coolant, it is forced to a heat exchange position adjacent the target region. The assemblage of carriage and accelerator are retained within a containment chamber under vacuum. Surrounding these components at the vicinity of the charged particle or ion pathway is a containment and moderator assembly serving to modulate the energies of generated neutrons while reflecting desired neutrons into a neutron output stream and absorbing thermal neutrons and undesired gamma radiation.