Imaging Study and First Measurements of a LaBr3 Gamma Detector for BNCT Applications

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 10B contribution to the dose administered to a patient during BNCT treatment by detecting the 478-keV gamma rays emitted from the 10B(n,α)7Li 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 (ANN). However, the extremely high-intensity neutron flux of 109 n/cm2/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 (GE) (attaining >10−6).