A High Yield Neutron Target for Cancer Therapy

A rotating target has been developed that has the potential for providing an initial yield of 1013 neutrons per second by the T(d,n) He4 reaction, and a useable lifetime in excess of 600 hours. This yield and lifetime are indicated for a 300 KV and 30 mA deuteron accelerator and a 30 μm thick titanium tritide film formed of the stoichiometric compound TiT2. The potential for extended lifetime is made possible by incorporating a sputtering electrode that permits use of titanium tritide thicknesses much greater than the deuteron range. The electrode is used to remove in situ depleted titanium layers to expose fresh tritide beneath. The utilization of the rotating target as a source of fast neutrons for cancer therapy is discussed.