In-Core Experiments
Group

Boron Neutron Capture
Cancer Therapy (BNCT)

Trace Element
Analysis

Neutron Scattering

Neutron Radiography

NTD Silicon Doping

The MIT Reactor continues to serve the research, teaching, and radioisotope needs of MIT and the surrounding community as it has since criticality was first achieved on July 21, 1958. As the MITR-I, it operated routinely on a 24 hours per day schedule from July 1959 until May of 1974, when it was shut down for modification and overhaul. These were completed in 1976, and the MITR-II is now in routine, 24 hours per day operation. The MITR-II operates at powel level of up to 5 MW to produce neutrons for a variety of experimental programs.

The Fission Converter Facility is now operational and used for clinical trials of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. This facility is able to deliver an estimated therapeutic dose in just a few minutes.

Below are some of the current Research areas...

• Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, which is a research program aimed at developing a treatment for cancer.
• In-Core Experiments, a group which operates a variety of in-core simulations loops to study corrosion and water chemistry in commercial power reactor conditions.
• Trace Element Analysis by the Environmental Research and Radiochemistry group.
• Neutron Transmutation Doping of Silicon.

Studies have been performed to support increasing the reactor power to 6 MW. A safety analysis report has been prepared and submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Funding has been obtained by the U.S. Department of Energy for outside collaborators to use the BNCT facilities for performing research studies in support of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.