Abstract: Using the device and method of the present invention, high energy photons, or gamma radiation, impinge upon a target comprising a nanomaterial that includes a target isotope, resulting in the release of one or more neutrons from the target isotope. This neutron release creates an effect known as “kinematic recoil,” which results in a recoiling photo-produced radioisotope which is ejected from the nanomaterial and can be harvested in high specific activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting the sprouting of a plant product by exposing the plant product to a low dose of high-speed electron irradiation at a high dose rate. More specifically, the plant product is exposed a dose of high-speed electron irradiation sufficient to inhibit cell division of its meristematic cells. However, the dose is insufficient to substantially damage the other non-meristematic cells of the plant product. A suitable dose may range from 2.5 to 50 kilorads. The dose rate is also sufficient to inhibit cell division in the meristematic cells of the plant product, and insufficient to substantially damage the non-meristematic cells of the plant product. A suitable dose rate is greater than 106 rads per second. The present invention also includes a plant product treated by the above method.