Abstract: A method of isolating 99Mo produced using a (n,?) reaction according to example embodiments may include vaporizing a source compound containing 98Mo and 99Mo. The vaporized source compound may be ionized to form ions containing 98Mo and 99Mo. The ions may be separated to isolate the ions containing 99Mo. The isolated ions containing 99Mo may be collected with a collector. Accordingly, the isolated 99Mo may have a relatively high specific radioactivity and, in turn, may be used to produce the diagnostic radioisotope, 99mTc, through radioactive decay.

Abstract: Provided is a modified target assembly in which the target fluid is moved within the target assembly in a manner that increases the effective density of the target fluid within the beam path, thereby increasing beam yield utilizing forced convection. The target may also include optional structures, such as nozzles, diverters and deflectors for guiding and/or accelerating the flow of the target fluid. The target assembly directs the target fluid along an inner sleeve in a direction opposite the direction of the beam current to produce a counter current flow and may also direct the flow of the target fluid away from the inner surface of the inner sleeve and toward a central region in the target cavity. This countercurrent flow suppresses natural convection that tends to reduce the density of the target fluid in the beam path and tends to increase the heat transfer from the target.

Abstract: A method of isolating a radioisotope according to example embodiments may include vaporizing a source compound containing a first isotope and a second isotope of an element, wherein the second isotope may have at least one of therapeutic and diagnostic properties when used as a radiopharmaceutical. The vaporized source compound may be ionized to form charged particles of the first and second isotopes. The charged particles may be separated to isolate the particles of the second isotope. The isolated charged particles of the second isotope may be collected with an oppositely-charged collector. Accordingly, the isolated second isotope may be used to produce therapeutic and/or diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals having higher specific activity.

Abstract: A method of isolating 186Re according to example embodiments may include vaporizing a source compound containing 185Re and 186Re. The vaporized source compound may be ionized to form negatively-charged molecules containing 185Re and 186Re. The negatively-charged molecules may be separated to isolate the negatively-charged molecules containing 186Re. The isolated negatively-charged molecules containing 186Re may be collected with a positively-charged collector. Accordingly, the isolated 186Re may be used to produce therapeutic and/or diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals having higher specific activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes and compositions for fabricating irradiation targets from slurry compositions using a slip casting method to form a layer of the slurry composition on a substrate. The layer of slurry is allowed to dry on the substrate to produce a green cast layer that may then be cut, milled or otherwise machined to form intermediate targets having one or more predetermined configurations. These intermediate targets are subsequently subjected to a thermal process by which organic components remaining in the green cast layer are driven off and/or oxidized to form a densified, substantially inorganic, layer that has a density below that of the primary particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method configured for detecting cosmic ray muon (CRM) flux along a variety of trajectories through a subterranean test region, collecting the muon detection data, and processing the data to form a three-dimensional density distribution image corresponding to the test region. In at least one embodiment, the system may be used for identifying concentrations of higher (or lower) density mineral deposits or other geological structures or formations well below the earth's (or ocean floor) surface. The system may be utilized for imaging geological materials and structures of higher and/or lower density in a test region having a depth of several kilometers or more.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system configured for detecting cosmic ray muon (CRM) flux along a variety of trajectories through a subterranean test region, collecting the muon detection data and processing the data to form a three-dimensional density distribution image corresponding to the test region. The system may be used for identifying concentrations of high (or low) density mineral deposits or other geological structures or formations well below the earth's (or ocean floor) surface. The system may be utilized for imaging geological materials and structures of higher and/or lower density in a test region having a depth of several kilometers or more.