Development of the ACSpect neutron spectrometer: Technological advance and response against an accelerator-based neutron beam

Advances in neutron-based radiation therapies such as Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) pushes towards the development of new neutron spectrometers, whose key features are to be their practicability, reliability, energy resolution and detection range. The ACSpect is a novel spectrometer based on two-stages monolithic silicon telescope detector coupled an organic scintillator working active converter. This paper reports latest developments results measurements accelerator-based beam moderated by AlF3. AlF3 moderator material optimised obtain epithermal for BNCT deep seated tumours. experiments carried out first spectrometry performances have been compared against Monte Carlo simulations, literature data gold-standard DIAMON. While agreement between simulations allowed validate model used simulate material, data, DIAMON confirmed compact relatively easy-to-use high-resolution spectrometer, capable reliably operating range 250 keV - 4 MeV.