Thermal neutron detection and track recognition method in reference and out-of-field radiotherapy FLASH electron fields using Timepix3 detectors

This study investigates the generation and detection of thermal neutrons in FLASH (ultra-high dose rate) electron beams. Approach. Measurements were conducted at a clinical linac using a Timepix3 pixel detector with a ⁶LiF neutron converter. Data were collected under different configurations and analyzed to characterize neutron interactions. Main results. Thermal neutron fluences of up to ~10⁶ cm⁻² Gy⁻¹ were observed, with clear spatial patterns and good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations. Significance. This is the first experimental observation and quantification of thermal neutrons in FLASH electron beams, highlighting a need to consider their presence in dosimetric assessments and biological effect studies.

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