| 摘要 |
Methods and systems produce radionuclides by colliding a focussed electron beam with a target material capable of being radioactivated by the electron beam. The target material is translated relative to the electron beam along at least two (2) axes. In this regard, a target cartridge is provided according to the present invention which includes a tubular shell formed of a material which is minimally (if at all) activated by the electron beam (e.g., aluminum). The tubular shell defines an interior hollow space which houses the target material to be irradiated, e.g. an intraluminal stent. End caps close each end of the tubular shell and are preferably one-piece solid structures formed of the same material as that of the tubular shell. The end caps therefore most preferably serve the purposes of allowing the target cartridge to be mechanically coupled to a translator assembly and provide a path of heat transfer to a heat-transfer fluid in contact therewith. The translator assembly most preferably holds the target cartridge longitudinally so that it is positioned substantially transversely relative to the path of the electron beam. By suitable adjustment shafts and linear rail assemblies, therefore, the entire target cartridge may be linearly translated simultaneously or periodically sequentially parallel and perpendicular to the electron beam path. At the same time, the target cartridge may be rotated about its axis. In such a manner, the target cartridge exposes the target material therewithin uniformly to the electron beam. |
