Tunable neutron target system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a tunable neutron target system, including target material, one side of target material is used for receiving proton beam flow bombardment and produces neutron, the other side of opposite target material is provided with cooling cavity, and the cooling cavity is filled with cooling medium, cooling cavity is provided with liquid inlet and liquid outlet, and cooling medium can flow into cooling cavity from liquid inlet, and flow out from liquid outlet, the inner wall of cooling cavity corresponding with target material or the outer wall of cooling cavity is provided with neutron tuning body, and the extension area of neutron tuning body is greater than or equal to the area of target material. The technical scheme of tunable neutron target system that the utility model adopts can realize the tuning function of neutron target system itself to neutron energy spectrum, optimizes neutron energy spectrum, is favorable for the shaping or control of subsequent further neutron beam, and reduces the complexity of subsequent shaping or control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of neutron target technology, specifically to a neutron target system with a tunable neutron energy spectrum. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of BNCT (Brain-Nutritive Therapy), proton beams are commonly used to bombard a neutron target and generate a neutron beam, which is then used to irradiate lesions within the patient's body to achieve therapeutic goals. During the generation of the neutron beam, the neutron energy spectrum produced by the proton beam bombarding the neutron target often exhibits uneven distribution, increasing the complexity of subsequent neutron shaping or modulation processes.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the structure of the neutron target itself so that it can optimize the neutron energy spectrum to a certain extent, which will facilitate further shaping or control of the neutron beam and reduce the complexity of subsequent shaping or control. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tunable neutron target system to address the technical problem in existing technologies where the uneven distribution of the neutron energy spectrum produced by proton beam bombardment of the neutron target increases the complexity and difficulty of subsequent neutron shaping or control processes. The tunable neutron target system adopted in this invention enables the neutron target system itself to tune the neutron energy spectrum, optimizing the neutron energy spectrum and facilitating subsequent neutron beam shaping or control, thereby reducing the complexity of such subsequent processes.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention provides a tunable neutron target system, comprising a target material, one side of which is used to receive proton beam bombardment to generate neutrons; a cooling cavity is provided on the opposite side of the target material, the cooling cavity being filled with a cooling medium; the cooling cavity is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the cooling medium being able to flow into the cooling cavity from the inlet and out from the outlet; a neutron tuner is provided on the inner wall or outer wall of the cooling cavity corresponding to the target material, the extended area of ​​the neutron tuner being greater than or equal to the area of ​​the target material.

[0007] The neutron tuner installed inside or outside the cooling cavity in this technical solution can optimize the generated neutron beam. If the neutron tuner is installed inside the cooling cavity, it has two functions. The first function is to act as a tuning layer for the neutron beam and optimize the neutron energy spectrum. The second function is to turbulent the cooling medium inside the cooling cavity and improve the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0008] In addition, the tunable neutron target system provided by this technical solution can be manufactured in a modular manner, and can be directly and detachably connected to the external circulation system during installation and use, which reduces the number of assembly steps between various components and improves installation efficiency and accuracy.

[0009] Furthermore, the surface of the neutron tuner away from the cooling cavity is curved. In specific implementations, the shape of the curved surface can be adjusted to suit the target neutron energy spectrum to achieve practical application or scientific research purposes.

[0010] Furthermore, the thickness of the neutron tuner gradually decreases outward from a preset position. This configuration adapts to the neutron energy in different regions of the generated neutron beam, resulting in varying path lengths for neutrons in corresponding regions. In practice, different control effects can be achieved by adjusting the thickness according to the neutron energy adaptability in different regions of the beam.

[0011] Furthermore, the preset position is located at the center of the projection of the neutron tuner onto the inner or outer wall of the cooling cavity. When the target material is bombarded with a sinusoidal proton beam, the resulting neutron energy distribution is often characterized by higher energy in the central region and gradually decreasing energy towards the outside. Therefore, by configuring the structure of the neutron tuner in this way, the neutrons with higher energy in the central region travel a longer path through the tuner, resulting in a more significant deceleration effect on the neutrons in the central region. The deceleration effect gradually decreases from the center outwards, ultimately achieving a more uniform neutron emission energy spectrum and optimizing the neutron energy spectrum.

[0012] Furthermore, the preset position is located on a concentric circle centered on the center of the projection of the neutron tuner onto the inner or outer wall of the cooling cavity. When using a Gaussian rotating proton beam, the neutron energy distribution generated when the proton beam bombards the target material often has two symmetrical peak regions. The energy in the peak region is higher, and the energy gradually decreases outwards. Therefore, by configuring the structure of the neutron tuner in this way, the higher-energy neutrons travel a longer path through the neutron tuner, resulting in a more significant deceleration effect on the neutrons. The deceleration effect gradually decreases from the peak region outwards, ultimately achieving a more uniform neutron emission energy spectrum and optimizing the neutron energy spectrum.

[0013] Furthermore, the cooling chamber has a cooling chamber inlet pipe and a cooling chamber outlet pipe. The cooling medium enters the cooling chamber through the cooling chamber inlet pipe and flows out through the cooling chamber outlet pipe. The free end of the cooling chamber inlet pipe has a first quick connector, and the free end of the cooling chamber outlet pipe has a second quick connector.

[0014] Furthermore, the target material is beryllium or aluminum.

[0015] Furthermore, the cooling medium is an aqueous solution of inorganic salts, an organic solution, or liquid metal.

[0016] Furthermore, the cooling medium is liquid lithium. Liquid lithium can absorb some of the protons that have not fully undergone nuclear reactions, which can further increase the neutron yield. At the same time, liquid lithium has a thermal conductivity of approximately 85 W / m·K, which is relatively high and provides good heat dissipation, enabling effective heat dissipation from the target material.

[0017] Furthermore, the neutron tuner is made of graphite. Using graphite for the neutron tuner has advantages such as low neutron absorption, good moderation properties, high thermal conductivity, high chemical stability, moderate mechanical strength, and low cost.

[0018] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: The technical solution of the tunable neutron target system adopted by the present invention can realize the tuning function of the neutron target system itself on the neutron energy spectrum, optimize the neutron energy spectrum, and facilitate the subsequent shaping or control of the neutron beam, thereby reducing the complexity of subsequent shaping or control. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To make the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a top view of the tunable neutron target system of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the tunable neutron target system in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the tunable neutron target system in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the tunable neutron target system in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the tunable neutron target system in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a comparative schematic diagram of the neutron energy spectrum distribution in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100, tunable neutron target system; 101, target material; 102, beam chamber; 103, cooling chamber; 104, neutron tuner; 105, cooling chamber inlet pipe; 106, cooling chamber outlet pipe; 107, first quick connector; 108, second quick connector. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of some embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments disclosed in this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments provided in this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of this utility model. It should be noted that the same reference numerals and letters in the drawings represent similar parts. Once a part is defined in one drawing, it will not be defined and explained again in subsequent drawings.

[0028] This invention can be applied to the field of neutron generation technology, especially suitable for BNCT treatment scenarios. It solves the technical problem that the uneven distribution of neutron energy spectrum generated by proton beam bombardment of neutron targets in the application of existing technologies increases the complexity and difficulty of subsequent neutron shaping or modulation processes.

[0029] The tunable neutron target system disclosed in this utility model has the following technical effects:

[0030] 1. The technical solution of the tunable neutron target system adopted in this utility model can realize the tuning function of the neutron target system itself to the neutron energy spectrum, optimize the neutron energy spectrum, and facilitate the subsequent shaping or control of the neutron beam, thereby reducing the complexity of subsequent shaping or control.

[0031] 2. Furthermore, the tunable neutron target system of this invention incorporates a neutron tuner within the cooling cavity, which can both increase the flow disturbance and optimize the emitted neutron energy spectrum.

[0032] 3. The tunable neutron target system of this utility model modularizes the neutron target system, making it easy to disassemble and assemble, reducing the complexity of assembling various components, which is beneficial to manufacturing and ensures product quality.

[0033] To further illustrate the tunable neutron target system of this invention, the following embodiments are disclosed.

[0034] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 5A tunable neutron target system 100 is provided, including a target 101, one side of which is used to receive proton beam bombardment to generate neutrons; a cooling cavity 103 is provided on the opposite side of the target 101, the cooling cavity 103 is filled with a cooling medium; the cooling cavity 103 is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the cooling medium can flow into the cooling cavity 103 from the inlet and flow out from the outlet; a neutron tuner 104 is provided on the inner wall or the outer wall of the cooling cavity 103 corresponding to the target 101, the extended area of ​​the neutron tuner 104 is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the target 101.

[0035] The neutron tuner 104 installed inside or outside the cooling cavity 103 in this technical solution can optimize the generated neutron beam. If the neutron tuner 104 is installed inside the cooling cavity 103, it has two functions. The first function is to act as a tuning layer for the neutron beam and optimize the neutron energy spectrum. The second function is to turbulent the cooling medium inside the cooling cavity 103 and improve the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0036] In addition, the tunable neutron target system 100 provided by this technical solution can be manufactured in a modular manner. During installation and use, it can be directly and detachably connected to the external circulation system, which reduces the number of assembly steps between various components and improves installation efficiency and accuracy.

[0037] The workflow of this technical solution is as follows: a proton beam is emitted to the target 101. The target 101 undergoes a nuclear reaction upon being bombarded by the proton beam, producing neutrons. The neutron beam passes through the neutron tuner 104, and the neutron energy spectrum can be further optimized by adjusting the non-uniform thickness. If the neutron tuner 104 is located within the cooling cavity 103, it can also simultaneously increase the flow disturbance of the cooling medium, thereby enhancing heat transfer.

[0038] Specifically, the thickness of the target material 101 can be adjusted or replaced according to the beam intensity.

[0039] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 It also includes a beam chamber 102, which is a vacuum chamber, and the target material 101 is disposed inside the beam chamber 102.

[0040] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the cooling cavity 103 is further provided with an array of protrusions or an array of grooves to enhance heat dissipation.

[0041] In some embodiments, the surface of the neutron tuner 104 away from the cooling cavity 103 is curved. Specifically, the shape of the curved surface can be adjusted to suit the target neutron energy spectrum to achieve practical application or scientific research purposes.

[0042] In some embodiments, the surface is a sphere. This configuration is adapted to neutron beam energy distributions that conform to variations in the slope of a sphere.

[0043] In some embodiments, the thickness of the neutron tuner 104 gradually decreases outward from a preset position. This configuration can adapt to the neutron energy in different regions of the actual generated neutron beam, resulting in different path lengths for neutrons in corresponding regions. In actual implementation, different control effects can be achieved by adjusting the thickness according to the adaptability of neutron energy in different regions of the beam.

[0044] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 or Figure 3 The preset position is located at the center of the projection of the neutron tuner 104 onto the inner or outer wall of the cooling cavity 103. When the target material 101 is bombarded with a sinusoidal proton beam, the resulting neutron energy distribution is often characterized by higher energy in the central region and gradually decreasing energy towards the outside. Therefore, the structure of the neutron tuner 104 is designed such that the higher-energy neutrons in the central region travel a longer path through the tuner, resulting in a more significant deceleration effect on the neutrons in the central region. The deceleration effect gradually decreases from the center outwards, ultimately achieving a more uniform neutron emission energy spectrum and optimizing the neutron energy spectrum. Specifically, as... Figure 2 The neutron tuner 104 is disposed on the outer wall of the cooling cavity 103 corresponding to the target material 101, and is suitable for sinusoidal proton beams. Figure 3 The neutron tuner 104 is disposed on the inner wall of the cooling cavity 103 corresponding to the target material 101, and is suitable for sinusoidal proton beams.

[0045] against Figure 2 or Figure 3 The structure shown here is illustrated with a specific embodiment. The target material is beryllium, with a thickness of 3–6 mm. The neutron tuner is a semi-ellipsoidal sphere made of graphite, with a semi-major axis of 50 mm and a maximum distance of 10–15 mm from the cooling cavity. The convective heat transfer coefficient can reach 2e5 W / m². 2 K and above.

[0046] In actual operation, a sinusoidal proton beam bombards the target 101. The neutrons produced by the target 101 are slowed down to a certain extent by the non-uniformly thick neutron tuner 104. The higher-energy neutrons in the central region penetrate the thickest graphite layer, resulting in a more significant slowing effect. The slowing effect gradually decreases from the center outwards, ultimately yielding a more uniform neutron emission energy spectrum. The neutron energy at the center of the nuclear reaction is 0.5–1 MeV, and in the surrounding region, it is 0.001–0.1 MeV. Based on experience and experimental calculations, the required linear slowing length is 2–5 cm. The slowed neutron energy spectrum can be distributed within a relatively uniform range. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 It is possible to visually observe the distribution of the neutron energy spectrum obtained when the neutron tuner 104 is set at the corresponding position in the cooling cavity 103 and when the neutron tuner 104 is not set. When the tunable neutron target system 100 is used, the generated neutron energy spectrum can be optimized to be more uniform.

[0047] In some embodiments, different beam types can be adapted; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 or Figure 5 The preset position is located on a concentric circle centered on the center of the projection of the neutron tuner 104 onto the inner or outer wall of the cooling cavity 103. This embodiment is applicable to Gaussian rotating proton beams. When using a Gaussian rotating proton beam, the neutron energy distribution generated when the proton beam bombards the target 101 often has two symmetrical peak regions. The energy in the peak region is higher, and the energy gradually decreases outwards. Therefore, the structure of the neutron tuner 104 is designed such that the higher-energy neutrons travel a longer path through the neutron tuner 104, resulting in a more significant deceleration effect on the neutrons. The deceleration effect gradually decreases from the peak region outwards, ultimately achieving a more uniform neutron emission energy spectrum and optimizing the neutron energy spectrum. Specifically, as shown... Figure 4 The neutron tuner 104 is disposed on the outer wall of the cooling cavity 103 corresponding to the target material 101, and is suitable for Gaussian rotating proton beams. Figure 5 The neutron tuner 104 is disposed on the inner wall of the cooling cavity 103 corresponding to the target material 101, and is suitable for Gaussian rotating proton beams.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cooling chamber 103 has a cooling chamber 103 inlet pipe and a cooling chamber 103 outlet pipe. The cooling medium enters the cooling chamber 103 through the cooling chamber 103 inlet pipe and flows out through the cooling chamber 103 outlet pipe. The free end of the cooling chamber 103 inlet pipe has a first quick connector 107, and the free end of the cooling chamber 103 outlet pipe has a second quick connector 108.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first quick connector 107 and the second quick connector 108 are commercially available quick connectors suitable for cooling media.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first quick connector 107 and the second quick connector 108 are preferably plate handle quick connectors.

[0051] In some embodiments, the target material 101 is beryllium or aluminum.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cooling medium is an aqueous solution of inorganic salts, an organic solution, or a liquid metal.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cooling medium is liquid lithium or a lead-bismuth alloy, preferably liquid lithium.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cooling medium is liquid lithium. Liquid lithium can absorb some of the protons that did not undergo complete nuclear reactions, thereby further increasing neutron yield. Furthermore, liquid lithium has a relatively high thermal conductivity of approximately 85 W / m·K.

[0055] It has good thermal conductivity and can effectively dissipate heat from the target material 101.

[0056] In some embodiments, the neutron tuner 104 is graphite or polyethylene, or an alloy material made of any single metal material or any combination thereof, such as lead, copper, or aluminum.

[0057] In some embodiments, the neutron tuner 104 is made of graphite. Using graphite for the neutron tuner 104 has advantages such as low neutron absorption, good moderation performance, high thermal conductivity, high chemical stability, moderate mechanical strength, and low cost.

[0058] In the description disclosed in this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to has a specific orientation, or is constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the disclosure of this utility model. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" is interpreted as open and inclusive, that is, "including, but not limited to."

[0059] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiment," "exemplary," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example disclosed in this utility model. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0060] The terms "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish different descriptive objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In other words, they do not limit the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the described objects. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments disclosed in this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical," etc., do not mean that the component must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather allow for a certain angle of inclination. For example, "horizontal" only indicates that its direction is closer to a horizontal state than "vertical," not that the structure must be perfectly horizontal.

[0061] "At least one of A, B, and C" has the same meaning as "at least one of A, B, or C," both including the following combinations of A, B, and C: only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, and a combination of A, B, and C. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B; "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: only A, only B, and a combination of A and B.

[0062] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional views and / or plan views, which are provided as idealized exemplary drawings. In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," "link," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, a connection can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can also be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0063] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of layers and regions has been enlarged for clarity. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the drawings are contemplated due to factors such as manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Consequently, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but rather include shape deviations caused, for example, by manufacturing processes. For instance, etched areas shown as rectangular would typically have curved features. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shapes of areas of the device, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0064] The above description is merely a specific embodiment disclosed in this utility model, but the scope of protection disclosed in this utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the scope of protection disclosed in this utility model. Therefore, the scope of protection disclosed in this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tunable neutron target system, characterized in that, The device includes a target material, one side of which is used to receive proton beam bombardment to generate neutrons; the opposite side of the target material is provided with a cooling cavity, which is filled with a cooling medium; the cooling cavity is provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the cooling medium can flow into the cooling cavity from the inlet and flow out from the outlet; a neutron tuner is provided on the inner wall or the outer wall of the cooling cavity corresponding to the target material, and the extended area of ​​the neutron tuner is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the target material.

2. The tunable neutron target system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the neutron tuner away from the cooling cavity is curved.

3. The tunable neutron target system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the neutron tuner gradually decreases outward from a preset position.

4. The tunable neutron target system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The preset position is located at the center of the projection of the neutron tuner onto the inner or outer wall of the cooling chamber.

5. The tunable neutron target system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The preset position is located on a concentric circle with the center of the projection of the neutron tuner onto the inner or outer wall of the cooling cavity as the center.

6. The tunable neutron target system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling chamber has a cooling chamber inlet pipe and a cooling chamber outlet pipe. The cooling medium enters the cooling chamber through the cooling chamber inlet pipe and flows out through the cooling chamber outlet pipe. The free end of the cooling chamber inlet pipe has a first quick connector, and the free end of the cooling chamber outlet pipe has a second quick connector.

7. The tunable neutron target system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The target material is beryllium or aluminum.

8. The tunable neutron target system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The cooling medium is an aqueous solution of inorganic salts, an organic solution, or a liquid metal.

9. The tunable neutron target system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cooling medium is liquid lithium.

10. The tunable neutron target system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The material of the neutron tuner is graphite.

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