A beam target for generating a nuclear reaction product by irradiation with a beam obtained from a beam generation source includes a cone body which has a tapered inner surface which is reduced in diameter toward a tip, and supply means for supplying liquid metal to the inner surface of the cone body to form a liquid film of the liquid metal on the inner surface. It is possible to form the liquid film of the liquid metal on a cone body surface to increase an irradiation area of the beam, and also dispose a target substance such as LLFP around the cone body, and hence it is possible to efficiently use the nuclear reaction product (e.g., a neutron) generated by beam irradiation of the liquid metal.

A beam target for generating a nuclear reaction product by irradiation with a beam obtained from a beam generation source includes a cone body which has a tapered inner surface which is reduced in diameter toward a tip, and supply means for supplying liquid metal to the inner surface of the cone body to form a liquid film of the liquid metal on the inner surface. It is possible to form the liquid film of the liquid metal on a cone body surface to increase an irradiation area of the beam, and also dispose a target substance such as LLFP around the cone body, and hence it is possible to efficiently use the nuclear reaction product (e.g., a neutron) generated by beam irradiation of the liquid metal.

The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for producing astatine-211 from alpha-particle bombardment of bismuth-209. The disclosure also relates to a method and apparatus of producing other radionuclides from target nuclides. The apparatus includes a plate having a recessed portion. The recessed portion has a generally inert surface of ceramic or metal, preferably aluminium oxide that does not react with molten bismuth. A bismuth target is placed in the recessed portion and held therein by a foil cover. The foil has a melting temperature greater than target nuclide (i.e., for bismuth, >271° C.). The foil and target nuclide are held in the recessed portion by a cover that is fastened over the foil. The cover has an aperture to allow a beam of radiation, such as alpha particles, from a cyclotron or other accelerator to pass through the cover to the foil and target nuclide.

The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for producing astatine-211 from alpha-particle bombardment of bismuth-209. The disclosure also relates to a method and apparatus of producing other radionuclides from target nuclides. The apparatus includes a plate having a recessed portion. The recessed portion has a generally inert surface of ceramic or metal, preferably aluminium oxide that does not react with molten bismuth. A bismuth target is placed in the recessed portion and held therein by a foil cover. The foil has a melting temperature greater than target nuclide (i.e., for bismuth, >271° C.). The foil and target nuclide are held in the recessed portion by a cover that is fastened over the foil. The cover has an aperture to allow a beam of radiation, such as alpha particles, from a cyclotron or other accelerator to pass through the cover to the foil and target nuclide.

Embodiments are provided relating to the exchange of devices or assemblies holding targets used in a beam system. With these embodiments a used target can be rapidly and safely replaced with a new target to permit continued operation in a clinical or other environment. Also provided are embodiments of valves having relatively lower profiles that facilitate engagement and disengagement of beamline sections for access to the target device or assembly. All or a portion of the valve can be part of the target assembly. Also provided are embodiments of storage containers for storing a volatile object, such as an object comprising a composition sensitive to atmospheric air and/or an object that is radioactive. The storage container can include a two-part shell case assembly configured for housing a volatile object between the two parts, which engage one another to form an air-tight seal therebetween.

An irradiation target positioning device and method for creating radioisotopes utilizing linear particle beam accelerators or cyclotron accelerators. The device positions a target proximate to a liquid reservoir and vapor expansion chamber. The target may be in a solid phase. Heat produced within the target during irradiation can be absorbed by the liquid. The liquid may be heated to its vaporization temperature and vapor emitted into the vapor chamber. The vapor chamber may utilize a cooling mechanism, allowing the vapor to condense (second phase change). The radioactive product may diffuse into the liquid, thereby allowing the irradiated product to be conveyed out of the target structure in a liquid, solution or slurry. Multiple radioisotopes may be produced simultaneously out of the target material and liquid and separated later. The target material and irradiated product may be removed from the target surface by acid.

An irradiation target positioning device and method for creating radioisotopes utilizing linear particle beam accelerators or cyclotron accelerators. The device positions a target proximate to a liquid reservoir and vapor expansion chamber. The target may be in a solid phase. Heat produced within the target during irradiation can be absorbed by the liquid. The liquid may be heated to its vaporization temperature and vapor emitted into the vapor chamber. The vapor chamber may utilize a cooling mechanism, allowing the vapor to condense (second phase change). The radioactive product may diffuse into the liquid, thereby allowing the irradiated product to be conveyed out of the target structure in a liquid, solution or slurry. Multiple radioisotopes may be produced simultaneously out of the target material and liquid and separated later. The target material and irradiated product may be removed from the target surface by acid.

In one illustrative embodiment, a target insert for the production of Ac-225 in a particle accelerator is disclosed which may include a metal body comprising a central flat area deposition of Ra-226 or any means of depositing Ra226 on target body, a channel surrounding the perimeter of the central flat area and a hollow section opposite the central flat area. The target insert also includes an area of Ra-226 disposed on the central flat area and a protective layer disposed atop the area of Ra-226 and conforming to the metal target such that the protective layer is also disposed onto the channel surrounding the perimeter of the central flat area. A crimp ring is disposed on top of the protective layer in the channel surrounding the perimeter of the central flat area, wherein the crimp ring has been compressed to fill the channel and seal the protective layer to the metal body.

In one illustrative embodiment, a target insert for the production of Ac-225 in a particle accelerator is disclosed which may include a metal body comprising a central flat area deposition of Ra-226 or any means of depositing Ra226 on target body, a channel surrounding the perimeter of the central flat area and a hollow section opposite the central flat area. The target insert also includes an area of Ra-226 disposed on the central flat area and a protective layer disposed atop the area of Ra-226 and conforming to the metal target such that the protective layer is also disposed onto the channel surrounding the perimeter of the central flat area. A crimp ring is disposed on top of the protective layer in the channel surrounding the perimeter of the central flat area, wherein the crimp ring has been compressed to fill the channel and seal the protective layer to the metal body.

A linear accelerator target apparatus includes a target material to produce radiation upon being struck by electrons accelerated by a linear accelerator and a target holder assembly to which the target material is attached. The target holder assembly includes a cooling channel disposed around a perimeter of the target material. The target holder assembly is configured to be detachably coupled to a housing of the linear accelerator. The target apparatus further includes a protective window coupled to the target holder assembly over the target material.