Nuclear quantum dynamics of boric acid as probed by a thermal-to-epithermal neutron station.

ABSTRACT: Boric acid ([Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], BA), due to its neutron absorption and scattering properties, is used in nuclear medicine and nuclear engineering either as an absorber of thermal neutrons or a moderator of epithermal ones. BA was one of the earliest boron carriers historically evaluated for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Recent advances in neutron spectroscopy and imaging, isotope labelling, and ab initio simulation have renewed interest in BA as a model system for pilot studies. Also in terms of BNCT treatment, BA emerges again as an efficient boron compound in the case of selected tumour types. Nuclear quantum dynamics and nuclear quantum effects, such as zero-point energy (ZPE), significantly influence the structure and vibrational properties of BA, and conse

SUBMITTER: Dziedzic-Kocurek K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12749873 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature