Method for producing radioisotopes

摘要

A target is bombarded with high energy particles to generate a radioisotope, and the radioisotope is preferably extracted by one of the following: combusting the target in oxygen, stopping the bombardment and heating the target, or heating the target by induction. Bombardment may take place through a windowless path, and the radioisotope may be used for PET. The particles used may be deuterons or protons, and 13N may be generated. 11C may also be generated from either 11B or 10B using protons or deuterons. Combustion may be performed by induction heating and may be controlled by the quantity of oxygen available or the temperature. Combustion may be primarily confined to a surface layer and the target may be reused. The beam energy may be 2.2 MeV or less. Another general aspect includes trapping the oxides of 13N in a trap. The oxides may be converted into 13N-Ammonia, and this conversion may take place in the trap, which trap may comprise silica gel and sodium hydroxide and may also contain a reducing agent such as Raney-Nickel.