Abstract: The present disclosure provides a D?7Li neutron generator system and methods for producing a large amount of 225Ac. High flux 10 and 13 MeV neutrons generated by the (D?7Li) reaction are used to irradiate 226Ra forming 225Ra/225Ac via the 226Ra(n,2n)225Ra reaction. The generator consists of three main components: (1) a surface-production type negative ion source; (2) an extraction and acceleration column; and (3) a beam target Lithium electrode to irradiate 226Ra resulting in the formation of 225Ac. The methods enable the negative deuterium ion-base compact neutron generation system to generate reliably high yield of neutron flux in the absence of back-streaming electrons for producing 225Ac in large quantities but with a very small percentage of 227Ac (˜1%).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a D?7Li neutron generator system and methods for producing a large amount of 225Ac. High flux 10 and 13 MeV neutrons generated by the (D?7Li) reaction are used to irradiate 226Ra forming 225Ra/225Ac via the 226Ra(n,2n)225Ra reaction. The generator consists of three main components: (1) a surface-production type negative ion source; (2) an extraction and acceleration column; and (3) a beam target Lithium electrode to irradiate 226Ra resulting in the formation of 225Ac. The methods enable the negative deuterium ion-base compact neutron generation system to generate reliably high yield of neutron flux in the absence of back-streaming electrons for producing 225Ac in large quantities but with a very small percentage of 227Ac (˜1%).