Development of neutron dosimeter using irradiation damage of polymer

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K12652
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 80040:Quantum beam science-related
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Kobayashi Tomohiro 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 光量子工学研究センター, 専任研究員 (40282496)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: カーボンナノチューブ / シリコーン / ボロンカーバイド / 中性子線量計 / 抵抗率

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The resistivity of CNT/B4C mixed silicone samples was measured in real time during neutron beam irradiation. The resistivity decreased continuously during neutron beam irradiation and reached a nearly constant value when the beam was stopped. The decrease rate during irradiation was proportional to the neutron flux. These results support our initial prediction that irradiation increases the conductive path through cross-linking of polymers. The sample was shown to work as a thermal neutron fluence and flux monitor.

Free Research Field

中性子ビーム工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

新しい原理で動作するシンプルな線量計を提案した。安価な材料の組み合わせで熱中性子線量計を構成できたことは、将来本格化するであるホウ素中性子捕捉療法の実施時に同時多点モニタリングを行うにあたり、その低コスト化に寄与すると考えられる。また、本線量計の検出は高分子材料の抵抗変化で行うため、小型化に限界がない。治療部位の近傍で線量測定を行うことが可能になると考えられる。