BeNEdiCTE (Boron Neutron Capture): A Versatile Gamma-Ray Detection Module for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Publication Name
IEEE Transactions on Radiation and Plasma Medical Sciences
Abstract
We present a gamma-ray detection module for quantifying the boron neutron capture events that occur in the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and neutron capture enhanced particle therapy (NCEPT). The goal of the module is to differentiate between the background prompt gamma peaks and the 478-keV neutron capture photopeak, in order to estimate the dose delivered to the patient. It is a compact module, coupling a large array of 64 silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) with a 2' × 2' cylindrical LaBr3(Ce+Sr) scintillator crystal (73-ph/keV light yield, 25-ns decay time). The electronic front-end ASIC features low-noise processing of photodetector signals, while SiPMs pixellation and individual readout allow for position sensitivity in the crystal, although position estimation is not the object of this work. The module experimental characterization shows excellent energy resolution (2.7% FWHM at 662keV), that allows to discriminate the neutron capture photons at 478keV from the annihilation photons at 511keV. The module features also an anti-coincidence circuit that provides a mechanism to distinguish and reject scintillation events created within specific temporal windows, thus enhancing the signal-to-background ratio of the spectrometer.
Open Access Status
This publication is not available as open access
Volume
6
Issue
8
First Page
886
Last Page
892
Funding Sponsor
Instituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare