Imaging Study and First Measurements of a LaBr<sub>3</sub> Gamma Detector for BNCT Applications
Tommaso Ferri, Anita Caracciolo, G. Borghi, Marco Carminati, S. Altieri, Nicoletta Protti, C. Fiorini
Abstract
In this study we present the preliminary imaging results obtained with a gamma module called BeNEdiCTE, specifically designed for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). The primary objective of the BNCT-SPECT system is to quantitatively assess and pinpoint the <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">10</sup> B contribution to the dose administered to a patient during BNCT treatment by detecting the 478 keV gamma rays emitted from the <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">10</sup> B(n,α) <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">7</sup> Li reactions. Starting from a feasibility study of a collimator suitable for a BNCT-SPECT system, we end up presenting the first images obtained by reconstructing vials containing boron powder thanks to the aid of an Artificial Neural Network. However, the extremely high-intensity neutron flux of 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">9</sup> n/cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> /s and the presence of mixed radiation fields in the irradiation room pose significant challenges to this task. To overcome these challenges, the implementation of an appropriate collimator becomes essential. Thanks to Monte Carlo simulations we designed a lead pinhole collimator, with a twofold focus on enhancing spatial resolution (achieving < 1 cm) and maximizing geometric efficiency (attaining >10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-6</sup> ).