BINP SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
At the BINP, a pilot epithermal neutron source is now in use. It is based on a compact Vacuum Insulation Tandem Accelerator and uses neutron generation from the reaction 7Li(p,n)7Be. Generation of neutrons was established and in vitro experiments were held. Most recent investigations on the facility are related with: i) studying the dark currents and breakdowns, ii) analyzing and suppressing the high intensity dark currents, iii) measuring the intensity and the spectra of the X-ray radiation, iv) optimization of the H-beam injection into the accelerator, v) placing and calibrating the new gas stripping target. The results of these studies are discussed in the present work. Investigations resulted in increasing of mean current of the proton beam in stable mode (from 0.1 – 0.7 to 1.5 - 2 mA). In the nearest future new experiments are planned, including in vitro tests, blistering investigation, spectrum and flux measuring for neutrons and gamma, calculating the dose absorbed by phantom. Different ways of providing additional stability to the accelerator, of increasing the current of the proton beam are discussed in this work, as well as the ways of creating the therapeutic beam and strategies of applying the facility for clinical use.
