Development of a real-time neutron beam detector for boron neutron capture therapy using a thin silicon sensor

We have developed a new real-time neutron detector, which is able to measure a direct neutron beam of boron neutron capture therapy. The detector consists of both a 40-μm-thick pn diode and around 0.09-μm-thick LiF neutron converter. Experimental results indicate that this neutron detector can measure neutron flux up to 1 × 109 (cm−2 s−1), separately from gamma rays around 500 mGy/h. The measured depth distribution of neutron flux in an acrylic block is in agreement with the activation results of gold. •New real-time neutron detector have been developed for BNCT using thin silicon sensor.•Neutron detector can measure BNCT neutron beam with high fluxes of 1 × 109(cm−2 s−1).•Neutron events can be clearly separated from gamma-ray events with high dose rates.•Measured neutron depth distribution is in agreement with neutron activation analysis.•The detector can measure rates of boron neutron capture reaction at every moment.