# US 9,883,577 B2 · Belt-shaped neutron source > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,883,577 B2 - Document ID: US9883577B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/495,052 - Filed: 2017-04-24 - Published: 2017-11-02 - Granted: 2018-01-30 - Earliest claimed: 2016-04-27 - Assignees: Neutron Therapeutics, Inc. - Applicants: Neutron Therapeutics, Inc. - Inventors: Steven P. Konish; Theodore H. Smick - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9883577B2 ## CPC - H05H 3/06: Generating neutron beams (targets for producing nuclear reactions H05H6/00; neutron sources G21G4/02) - H05H 6/00: Targets for producing nuclear reactions (supports for targets or objects to be irradiated G21K5/08 {; preparation of tritium C01B4/00; targets, e.g. pellets for fusion reactions by laser or charged particles beam injection H05H1/22}) - H05H: PLASMA TECHNIQUE (apparatus or processes specially adapted for producing X-rays H05G2/00); PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS ## Abstract A continuous, thin layer of neutron source material, for example solid lithium, is formed into a belt. The belt is continuously advanced in front of a proton source to generate neutrons from the lithium target. Additionally, the belt is continuously cooled, as it passes through a gas cooling section. Through the continuous motion and cooling of the lithium target, the belt can provide an effective neutron source without melting the target neutron source material. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A neutron generation method comprising: generating a proton beam; advancing a belt-shaped neutron source in a path of the proton beam to generate a flux of neutrons; focusing the flux of neutrons with a beam-shaping assembly; and cooling the belt-shaped neutron source by passing the belt-shaped neutron source through a cooling section. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the belt-shaped neutron source comprises lithium, beryllium, or a combination thereof. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising supporting the belt-shaped neutron source with a support belt. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising cooling the belt-shaped neutron source with a cooling gas. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The method of claim 4, wherein the cooling gas comprises helium, argon, hydrogen, nitrogen, or a combination thereof. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising moderating the flux of neutrons with a neutron moderating material in the beam-shaping assembly. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the neutron moderating material comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, aluminum, and fluorine. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising reflecting neutrons with a neutron reflector surrounding the beam-shaping assembly. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the neutron reflector comprises lead, bismuth, or a combination thereof. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising: supporting the belt-shaped neutron source by a pulley; and tensioning the belt-shaped neutron source by a pivot arm. ### Claim 11 A neutron generation system comprising: a proton beam generator for generating a proton beam; a belt-shaped neutron source configured to travel through the proton beam to generate a flux of neutrons; a beam-shaping assembly configured to focus the flux of neutrons; and a cooling section disposed on a path of the belt-shaped neutron source. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the belt-shaped neutron source comprises lithium, beryllium, or a combination thereof. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11 wherein the belt-shaped neutron source comprises a support belt. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the cooling section comprises a gas for cooling the belt-shaped neutron source. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The system of claim 14, wherein the gas comprises helium, argon, hydrogen, nitrogen, or a combination thereof. ### Claim 16 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the beam-shaping assembly comprises a neutron moderating material. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The system of claim 16, wherein the neutron moderating material comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, aluminum, and fluorine. ### Claim 18 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, further comprising a neutron reflector surrounding the beam-shaping assembly. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The system of claim 18, wherein the neutron reflector comprises lead, bismuth, or a combination thereof. ### Claim 20 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, further comprising: a pulley configured to support the belt-shaped neutron source; and a pivot arm configured to tension the belt-shaped neutron source.