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Neutron conversion efficiency and gamma interference with gadolinium

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Abstract

Gadolinium (Gd) neutron capture plays an important role in both Gd neutron capture therapy and neutron detection. Detailed information about the low-energy electron spectrum emitted after Gd neutron capture is essential for accurately determining the dose delivery to the target and healthy tissues, as well as the effectiveness of Gd against other neutron convertors such as boron (B) and lithium (Li). Owing to issues such as charge extraction associated with the low energy of internal conversion electrons (ICEs) and high gamma interaction of Gd, its competitiveness for certain applications remains debatable. We measured the ICE spectrum of Gd, compared the energy deposition rates of neutron capture products from Gd, B, and Li compounds, and discussed issues associated with gamma sensitivity of Gd.

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Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the support of the OSURR reactor staff and Dr. R. Gregory Downing at the NIST Center for Neutron Research. This research is being performed using funding received from the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Threat Reduction Agency [Grant number HDTRA1-11-1-0013].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuclear Engineering Program, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    P. Kandlakunta & L. R. Cao

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  1. P. Kandlakunta
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  2. L. R. Cao
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Correspondence to L. R. Cao.

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Kandlakunta, P., Cao, L.R. Neutron conversion efficiency and gamma interference with gadolinium. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 300, 953–961 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-3083-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-3083-4

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