A nuclear target, a method for inducing a nuclear reaction, and a device suitable for implementing the method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nuclear target (1), a method for inducing a nuclear reaction, and a device capable of inducing a nuclear reaction. According to the present invention, the nuclear target (1) is equipped with a cavity (12) in which projectile particles (3) are deposited. In the cavity (12), the projectile particles (3) interact with precursors (21 and / or 22 and / or 23), or the projectile particles (3) are elastically scattered onto isotopes (4). Therefore, the nuclear target (1), method, or device provides more efficient nuclear reaction induction and provides a higher yield of radioactive isotopes. In another embodiment, the nuclear target (1) can be used as a means for the transmutation of nuclear waste or as a means for a sustainable exothermic nuclear reaction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nuclear target, a method of inducing a nuclear reaction by means of a nuclear target and a controlled nuclear reaction. In a preferred embodiment, the method for producing isotopes is carried out using a laser-driven accelerator.

[0002] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to exothermic nuclear reactions and methods for converting nuclear energy into heat, methods for producing radioisotopes, particularly radiopharmaceuticals, and methods for processing burned nuclear fuel, more particularly, methods for transmuting nuclear fission products.

[0003] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an apparatus capable of carrying out the methods disclosed herein. Background Art

[0004] Currently, a variety of radioisotopes are used in medicine, energy, or diagnostic methods using ionizing radiation. Some radioisotopes, especially those used in medicine, often have relatively short half-lives. Therefore, there is a general need for a method of preparing radioisotopes at the specific location where they are intended to be used or at a location relatively close to them. On the other hand, 235 The half-life of the fission reaction products of U is several decades. Therefore, there is a need for a method for transmuting radioactive materials (waste) that are the end products of fission nuclear reactions, preferably a method for disposing of the waste at or relatively close to the site where they are to be used.

[0005] Furthermore, a clean energy source is provided. One method for achieving this clean energy is to utilize exothermic nuclear reactions. According to existing technologies, there are two technical approaches to achieving energy production from these reactions: nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

[0006] Lasers are commonly used in industrial, scientific, and engineering applications. However, their use in controlled nuclear reactions is still new, as several technological gaps still need to be addressed.

[0007] US2016 / 0172065 discloses a nuclear target, a system for producing isotopes thereof, and a method. The nuclear target comprises a cavity into which a laser beam is focused, generating plasma on the surface of the target. The target is then irradiated with a proton or other projectile particle beam while still in the plasma state. The target material and particle type are selected according to the needs of the nuclear reaction. Disclosed examples include, for example, 14 N(p,α) 11 C; 11 B(p,n) 11 C; 18 O(p,n) 18 F; 20 Ne(d,n) 18F-as disclosed in this patent application; 16 O(p,α) 13 N; 13 C(p,n) 13 N; 14 N(d,n) 15 O; 15 N(p,n) 15 O.

[0008] According to US2016 / 0172065, the system includes:

[0009] 1) a device configured to convert the nuclear target into a plasma state; such as a laser or a z-pinch;

[0010] 2) a particle source configured to irradiate the nuclear target into a plasma state with particles that induce the above-mentioned nuclear reaction; and

[0011] 3) An isotope recovery device configured to recover isotopes produced by the nuclear reaction.

[0012] The use of the system according to US2016 / 0172065 is only disclosed for the production of radioisotopes. This technical solution also has high energy requirements, and lossless energy generation is not possible under the background of the prior art.

[0013] Another disclosed technical solution for using high-intensity lasers to generate high-energy particles for controlled nuclear reactions is US2002 / 0172317. The device comprises two planar targets. A primary target comprising a thin polyester film is irradiated with a laser beam. Upon laser bombardment, the first target emits high-energy particles, such as protons or deuterons, which are directed toward the second target. The second target comprises 10 B, thereby causing a nuclear reaction due to proton or deuteron radiation emitted from the primary target.

[0014] An example of a nuclear target, apparatus, and method for controlling a fusion nuclear reaction is disclosed in EP2833365. The target is planar and comprises two layers. The first layer comprises hydrogen-rich silicon, which, upon irradiation with a laser pulse, emits protons into the second layer. The second layer comprises boron, which, in certain embodiments, induces an exothermic nuclear reaction.

[0015] There are also capsule-shaped targets, such as those disclosed in US20120114088, in which the envelope of the nuclear target is compressed as a result of the laser irradiation mechanism. Once the nuclei reach a certain distance, they fuse within the given target.

[0016] However, the above-mentioned technical solution is relatively inefficient in producing radioisotopes because a significant portion of the energy must always be supplied to the target, for example, through laser irradiation and / or external heating. In cases where the device is intended to induce nuclear fusion, achieving the desired density of the generated plasma is technically difficult. Due to the increasing application of radioisotopes in various technical fields, there is a growing demand for the use of controlled nuclear reactions to produce radioisotopes. The present invention addresses, to a certain extent, the technical problem of more efficiently producing radioisotopes or more effectively inducing nuclear reactions. Summary of the Invention

[0017] A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a nuclear target suitable for increasing the efficiency of inducing nuclear reactions and therefore also suitable for preparing radioisotopes, in particular radiopharmaceuticals, or for transmuting burning nuclear fuel, and / or as a means of effectively inducing exothermic nuclear reactions and generating large amounts of heat energy.

[0018] The nuclear target according to the present invention, as described in claim 1, comprises a material body including a cavity, wherein the shape of the cavity is preferably optimized for the purpose of secondary nuclear reactions. The nuclear target is made of a material including a precursor. In one embodiment, the precursor may be embedded in the solid material of the target, while in another embodiment, the precursor may be placed in the target cavity in solid (e.g., powdered), liquid, or gaseous form. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the nuclear target is composed of the precursor. In another preferred embodiment, the positioning of the precursors described above can be combined, i.e., a powdered precursor is provided in the cavity of the nuclear target, while at least a portion of the nuclear target surrounding the cavity is composed of the same or a different precursor. The precursor is formed from a specific, predetermined isotope that, upon collision with projectile particles, forms a desired product of a nuclear reaction, such as a radioactive isotope. The material of the nuclear target, more specifically the precursor, or multiple precursors, is selected for the nuclear reaction between the precursor and the projectile particles to obtain a final product, most commonly a radioactive isotope. The nuclear target also includes at least one opening for passage of the projectile beam. The nuclear target further comprises a cavity within the material body behind the opening for the injection of projectile particles. The projectile particles that pass through the opening and impinge upon the cavity in the material body either elastically scatter onto at least one or more nuclei of the isotope in the cavity or, depending on the energy of the projectile particles, undergo the desired nuclear reaction with the isotope. Some projectile particles may be reflected out of the cavity, whereby the reflected particles generate losses. Losses can be minimized by the shape of the cavity, particularly its geometry, and by the position of the opening and cavity. Elastic scattering of projectile particles onto the isotope / nucleus in the cavity provides at least two technical effects. The first technical effect results in the dissipation of energy within the cavity, thereby heating the nuclear target material. The second technical effect involves the transfer of kinetic energy to the target / isotope nucleus, thereby enabling the threshold energy for the desired reaction to be exceeded.

[0019] The above technical effects then provide a synergistic technical effect related to increasing the efficiency of radioisotope production or the yield of another desired nuclear reaction, such as the frequency of exothermic reactions or metamorphic nuclei.

[0020] As described above, a nuclear target is formed from a body of material in which the shape of the cavity is optimized for the desired course of the nuclear reaction. In one embodiment, the body of material can be a single body. In another embodiment, the single body can be divided into multiple segments. In another embodiment, the opening of the target facing the cavity can be slightly curved and / or textured, particularly on the inner side of the cavity. However, a nuclear target must always contain at least one opening, preferably only one, for projectile particles to enter the target cavity. Therefore, the target cavity is not completely surrounded by the material containing the precursor and isotope, where the projectile particles elastically scatter over the precursor and isotope. The preferred embodiment of only one opening provides the advantage of effectively capturing scattered projectile particles, secondary particles, and the precursor particles accelerated by them. The probability of projectile particles escaping the cavity due to backscattering can be minimized by appropriately sculpting the cavity geometry.

[0021] The cavity can be of any shape. In one embodiment, the cavity can be in the shape of a portion of an ellipsoid or sphere. Optimized shapes for the cavity, preferably more complex shapes, can be created by connecting segments that form a single body. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity comprises at least two sections. The first section consists of a narrower channel, while the second section consists of a wider, larger space. The first section can be in the shape of a cylinder, a block, or a polyhedron, while the second section seamlessly extends the shape of an ellipsoid, a sphere, or, for example, a portion of a polyhedron. The geometry of the cavity, which is divided into at least two sections, provides the technical advantage of effectively trapping projectile particles in the cavity while significantly limiting their backscattering. In a more preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional dimensions of the first section of the cavity correspond to the transverse dimensions of the projectile beam.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, a precursor refers to an atomic nucleus that interacts with the projectile, particularly a nucleus with which the projectile collides, the interaction leading to an induced nuclear reaction. The final product or intermediate product may be a radioactive isotope that further decays, for example, through alpha, beta, and / or gamma decay, where this decay is further utilized in specific industrial applications. Intermediates may also be neutrons necessary to achieve the desired nuclear reaction. In one embodiment, the precursor may be embodied in a material, for example, by ionization of atoms, or by CVD, or by PVD deposition of atoms onto a substrate. In another embodiment, the nuclear target may consist of a precursor material surrounding a cavity, wherein at least one isotope is present in the target material and the projectile scatters on this isotope. In another embodiment, the precursor may form part of the cavity so that the precursor fills a certain volume. In another embodiment, the precursor may be included in both the material and the cavity filler. In this case, the precursor is not necessarily specific, but the first precursor may be embodied in the wall of the cavity or may form the cavity, while the second precursor may be part of the filler. The precursor may be, for example: 10 B; 11 B; natural mixture of boron; 13 C; 14 N; 15 N; 16 O; 18 O; 20 Ne; 99 Mo, 186 W, fission reaction products, 233 U. 235 U. 239 Radiopharmaceuticals of Pu. In certain embodiments, the bulk of the material of the nuclear target can be manufactured from corresponding precursor materials.

[0023] The projectiles are the particles that bombard the nuclear target. In the case of use, depending on the material of the laser target, the projectiles can be, for example: protons, neutrons, deuterons, alpha particles, light ions - e.g. 14 C. 16 O, medium and heavy ions (such as 27 Al) or even heavy nuclei, e.g. 197 The projectile particles can be produced by state-of-the-art accelerators, or can be emitted from radioisotopes such as AmBe or PuBe, or can be produced by laser-driven accelerators.

[0024] If the energy of the ejected particle does not correspond to the resonance width of the allowed channel, the isotopes that are elastically scattered with the ejected particle can be the target nucleus, the precursor nucleus, and the secondary product nuclei that have reacted. If the precursor is not implemented in the material of the nuclear target, the desired ejected and secondary particles that may react with the target nucleus are elastic scattering. Therefore, these particles are partially reflected back and can interact with the precursor nucleus. For example, a tungsten nuclear target contains 180 W. 182 W. 183 W. 184 W and 186 W isotopes, in which only elastic scattering actually occurs in the case of protons as projectiles with proton energies up to 6 MeV. The energy of the proton can be dissipated through multiple elastic scatterings until it reaches a resonance energy at which a certain reaction with the precursor is possible.

[0025] The induced nuclear reaction in the present invention can be nuclear transmutation, spallation or fission nuclear reaction, fusion reaction or composite nuclear reaction. Examples of suitable induced nuclear reactions are given below.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the nuclear target is also equipped with a laser target that emits projectile particles upon laser irradiation. The laser target can preferably be placed above the nuclear target opening. In another embodiment, the laser target can be positioned in front of the nuclear target opening to create a space between the laser target that emits projectile particles and the nuclear target opening. This space can preferably be used to filter out other particles formed by laser irradiation of the laser target. In another embodiment, the opening between the laser target and the nuclear target can be sealed and filled with a fluid, such as a fluid containing precursor nuclei. This embodiment of the laser target offers further advantages when the nuclear target material comprises a conductive material. Laser pulses emitted by, for example, a high-power pulsed laser can induce currents within the conductive nuclear target. In this case, the laser target is preferably embedded to provide a certain degree of isolation from electromagnetic radiation that could affect the conductive nuclear target. In one embodiment, the parameters of the laser pulses can be taken from EP2833365.

[0027] In one embodiment, the material of the nuclear target can be appropriately selected to consist of only a material containing exactly two isotopes. The first isotope is the precursor, and the second isotope is the isotope upon which the projectile particles elastically scatter. The technical advantage of this embodiment is that, after irradiation, only two interactions occur within the cavity of the nuclear target. The first interaction induces a nuclear reaction between the precursor and the projectile particles. The second interaction represents elastic scattering of the projectile particles on the isotope. This improves the efficiency of inducing nuclear reactions or producing radioactive isotopes. However, after a period of time, products emerge due to nuclear interactions with the precursor, thus entering into an ongoing interaction.

[0028] In another embodiment, the laser target material can be preferably selected to include multiple isotopes. If a laser target is composed of multiple isotopes, the ions emitted by these isotopes, forming the projectiles, will interact with the nuclear target in a certain order. This can be used to influence the kinetics of the ongoing reaction. Providing a sequence of incident projectiles inducing nuclear reactions within the nuclear target cavity can be ensured by manufacturing the nuclear target with an embedded laser target. The size of the embedding can be advantageously selected based on the reaction kinetics.

[0029] In accordance with IAEA conventions, we will use the so-called abbreviated notation for nuclear reactions below, i.e., the reaction ejecta P + target T → emitted particle X + residual nucleus R is T(P, X)R. 1 H. 2 H. 3 H and 4 When He acts as a target in the reaction, i.e., as a precursor or residual nucleus, it will be labeled accordingly. 2 H and 3 H is sometimes labeled D and T by convention. If the isotope 1 H. 2 H. 3 H and 4 He appears as either a projectile or emitted particle, which we will denote by the conventions p, d, t, and α, respectively. Other isotopes are labeled by default in all roles in the reaction.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the cavity is provided with a layer comprising a material that emits secondary projectile particles, and upon interaction with a primary projectile particle or another particle with sufficient momentum, the secondary projectile particles are emitted from this layer. In another embodiment, a material capable of emitting secondary projectile particles upon projection and / or interaction with another particle may be provided within the volume of the cavity. The above methods may also be used in combination. Examples of such materials include: 1 H. 2 For practical reasons, H can be present in the form of a compound such as polyethylene or HDPE (high-density polyethylene). The inner wall of the cavity does not have to be completely covered with this layer; covering only a portion is sufficient. The advantage of this embodiment is the chain growth of the projectile particles in the cavity. The primary and secondary projectile particles do not need to be identical. For example, the primary projectile particles can be protons, and the secondary projectile particles can be, for example, alpha particles or neutrons.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the nuclear target can be provided with multiple openings in the corresponding multiple cavities. This preferred embodiment offers the advantages of continuous operation of the induced exothermic nuclear reaction and / or radioisotope production. The nuclear target can be placed on a mobile support that can be moved in any direction along with the target and / or rotated. Once a sufficient amount of radioisotope has been produced by the corresponding induced nuclear reaction, or the entire precursor in the target cavity has been consumed, the target is moved so that the incident projectile falls into the next cavity or cavities containing unconsumed precursor.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the material of the nuclear target or precursor can be selected according to the respective industrial application. In a certain embodiment that is conducive to the preparation of radioisotopes, the following precursors can be selected: 11 B. 98 Mo, 186 W or precursor 98 Mohe 2 In another embodiment that facilitates the preparation of isotopes suitable for use in diagnostic methods using ionizing radiation, the precursor may be selected from 185 Re、 187 Re or Nat In another embodiment that is beneficial to the industrial application of spent nuclear waste transmutation, the nuclear target precursor or the nuclear target material is selected to be composed of isotopes with longer half-lives. These isotopes include 233 U. 235 U. 239 In this case, it is also suitable as an additional precursor, such a material can also provide neutrons after irradiation with projectile particles, such as when irradiated with protons 2 H or when irradiated with deuterium 3 H. In another embodiment, it is preferred to convert nuclear energy into heat, 2 H. 6 Li, 7 Li, 10 B. 11 B. 15 N or a mixture thereof is selected as the precursor.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, a luminescent or scintillator can be applied to the opening and / or to a portion of the cavity. The luminescent or scintillator has a dual technical function. The first function is to control the emission of radioactive particles from the cavity of the nuclear target. These radioactive particles are not necessarily subatomic or atomic particles, but may also form macroscopic portions of the cavity that, due to the reaction mechanism, eject some material from the cavity. The second technical function is to control the focusing of the projectile beam and its deposition into the cavity of the nuclear target, or to control its optimal shape.

[0034] A second embodiment of the invention relates to a method of inducing a nuclear reaction as claimed in claim 12. The method according to the invention is completely general and can be applied to many of the industrial problems mentioned above.

[0035] The method comprises the steps of providing a projectile particle beam incident on a nuclear target from a body of material containing a precursor. The method is implemented in accordance with the present invention by focusing the projectile particle beam into a cavity of the nuclear target, wherein the projectile particles are elastically scattered onto nuclei of at least one isotope within the cavity; the elastic scattering preferably occurs onto isotopes contained in the cavity filling and / or onto isotopes in the walls of the nuclear target. The projectile particles are elastically scattered until they induce a nuclear reaction in the precursor or until an interaction occurs between the projectile particles and the precursor.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the projectile particles are generated in a laser-controlled accelerator, which is generally considered a more compact and less expensive option than conventional accelerators.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, the radiopharmaceutical can be prepared by the method of the present invention, wherein the following nuclear reaction 11 B(p,n) 11 C. 98 Mo(p,n) 99m Tc, 186 W(p,n) 186 Re or precursor 98 Mo and 2 H mixture to select the projectile particles and precursors to induce when using projectile particles d 2 H(d,n+p) 2 H and / or 2 H(d,n) 3 He and 98 Mo(p,n) 99m Tc and 98 Mo(n,γ) 99 po simultaneous reaction of subsequent reactions. 185 Re(n,γ) 186 Re、 187 Re(n,γ) 188 Reactions of Re are also possible, also in a preferred embodiment using deuterium as projectile particle, more preferably using deuterium generated by the laser target and / or deuterium present in the cavity of the nuclear target and activated by elastic collisions with any projectile particles.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the cores of spent nuclear waste can be transmuted by the method, wherein the cores of spent nuclear waste are transmuted according to the following nuclear reaction: 233 U(p, fission), 235 U(p, fission), 239Pu (p, fission), especially 233 U(n, fission), 235 U(n, fission), 239 Pu(n, fission), or 60 Co(n,γ) 61 Co is used to select the ejecta particles and precursors. In the neutron-induced fission process, neutrons must be generated by the interaction of the neutrons as ejecta particles with the precursors. In one embodiment, for example, neutron generation can be achieved by the interaction of the additional ejecta particles and the precursors containing deuterium. In the interaction of the particles in this embodiment, 2 H(d,n) 3 He and / or 2 H(d,n+p) 2 H, or 2 H(d,p) 3 H and subsequent 2 H(t,n) 4 He reaction, or the precursor will contain tritium 3 H, where 3 H(d,n) 4 His reaction.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, nuclear energy can be converted into heat by the method wherein the projectile particles and precursors are selected according to the following nuclear reactions: 3 He(d,p) 4 He, 6 Li(d,α) 4 He, 7 Li(p,α) 4 He, 10 B(p,α) 7 Be, 11 B(p,2α) 4 He, 15 N(p,α) 12 C or 6 Li(p, 3 He) 4 He, followed by a secondary reaction 6 Li( 3 He,2α) 1 H and 3 He( 3 He,2p) 4 He. Other possible reactions include 3 H(d,n) 4 He, 2 H(t,n) 4 He, 2 H(h,γ) 3 H. 6Li(n, 3 He) 4 He, 10 B(n,α) 7 Li, 7 Be(n,p) 7 Li, 13 C(n,γ) 14 C. 14 N(n,p) 14 C. 17 O(n,α) 14 C. 21 Ne(n,α) 18 O. 22 Na(n,p) 22 Ne or 37 Ar(n,α) 34 S. In a more preferred embodiment, heat is transferred from the nuclear target using a heat exchanger.

[0040] A third embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus suitable for, but not exclusively for, carrying out the method according to the second embodiment or the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a projectile particle source and a nuclear target, wherein the projectile particle source is configured to deposit projectile particles into the cavity of the nuclear target according to the invention.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a nuclear target and a laser target, wherein the nuclear target is a nuclear target according to the present invention and the laser target is capable of emitting projectile particles when struck by a laser pulse. The laser target can be solid, such as the laser target disclosed in EP2833365, or a gas jet target can be used, utilizing the laser wake field acceleration phenomenon.

[0043] In other preferred embodiments, the apparatus is configured to carry out the method according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1a-Figure 1f is a schematic diagram of various alternatives for placing precursors in a first embodiment of a nuclear target according to the invention.

[0045] Figure 2a and Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of a second preferred embodiment of a nuclear target according to the present invention, the nuclear target having a first and a second portion of a cavity.

[0046] Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b and Figure 3c is a schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of a nuclear target according to the present invention, the nuclear target comprising a laser target capable of generating projectile particles, wherein Figure 3b A more preferred embodiment with an embedded laser target is shown, Figure 3c Preferred embodiments are shown which include a precursor in liquid or gaseous form, wherein the precursor is contained within a cavity of the nuclear target.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a nuclear target cavity according to the present invention, wherein the cavity is provided with a layer that emits secondary projectile particles upon interaction with primary projectile particles.

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a continuous belt with nuclear targets according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 6a and Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a nuclear target with a luminophore.

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a nuclear target combined with a heat exchanger.

[0051] Figure 8a-8e Different embodiments of the nuclear target cavity geometry according to the invention are shown.

[0052] Figure 9a and Figure 9b is a schematic diagram of an apparatus comprising a laser-controlled accelerator which generates projectile particles comprising a nuclear target according to the invention.

[0053] Figure 10a and Figure 10b is a schematic diagram of a nuclear target according to the present invention used in the experiment.

[0054] Figure 11 Shows post-experimental analysis of the cavities of nuclear targets #1, #2, and #6 according to the present invention.

[0055] Figure 12 Shows post-experimental analysis of the height distribution of nuclear targets #1, #2, and #6 according to the present invention.

[0056] Reference Signs List

[0057] 1 Nuclear target

[0058] 11 Opening

[0059] 110 outside of the opening

[0060] 12 Cavity

[0061] 121 The first portion of the cavity has a narrower cross section

[0062] 122 The cavity has a second portion with an enlarged cross section

[0063] 123 Inside the cavity

[0064] 13 Nuclear target segments

[0065] 21 Precursors implanted in the nuclear target material surrounding the cavity

[0066] 22 Precursor to cavity formation

[0067] 23 Precursors in the cavity

[0068] 3 Projectile particles

[0069] 31 Backscattered particles

[0070] 32 Layer providing secondary ejection particles

[0071] 320 Secondary Ejection Particles

[0072] 301 Synchrotron

[0073] 4 isotopes

[0074] 5 Laser Target

[0075] 50 layers for emitting projectile particles

[0076] 51 The reverse side of layer 5 exposed to the laser beam

[0077] 52 laser pulses

[0078] 6 Vacuum pump

[0079] 7. Change of direction

[0080] 8 Luminous body

[0081] 81 Emission (macro) particle direction

[0082] 9 calories

[0083] 91 heat exchanger

[0084] 92 Containment DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] Radioisotopes are produced by bombarding or irradiating a nuclear target 1 containing precursors 21, 22, and / or 23. Precursors 21, 22, and / or 23 refer to atomic nuclei that interact with projectiles 3 to produce end products and are generally known in the art. End products are typically unstable radioisotopes that further decay through alpha, beta, and / or gamma decay. According to the present invention, product generation through induced nuclear reactions occurs primarily within the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1, wherein at least a portion of the precursors 21, 22, and / or 23 present / contained in the cavity 12 interacts with the projectiles 3 and forms the end products through nuclear reactions. In most cases, the resulting products, typically radioisotopes, are mixed with the other materials forming the nuclear target 1, while unconverted precursors 21, 22, and / or 23 remain randomly distributed within the target 1. Some of the precursors 21 and / or 22 and / or 23 converted into the final product can be separated using chemical methods. Examples of chemical methods for separating the converted radioisotopes include dissolving the nuclear target 1 or the contents of the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 in a strong acid, followed by filtering and precipitating the radioisotopes.

[0086] The nuclear target 1 according to the present invention comprises: at least one nucleus of a precursor 21 or a precursor 22 in the cladding of the nuclear target 1 and / or a precursor 23 in the cavity 12, which is converted into a product nucleus by a nuclear reaction; and an isotope 4, on which the projectile particles 3 are elastically scattered until they interact with the nucleus of the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23. Figure 1a-Figure 1f In the case of the example, the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 or the precursor 23 itself can be the isotope 4 until the kinetic energy of the projectile 3 equals the energy of the reaction channel. Examples of such materials may include, for example, 10 B is used as the core of the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23, and p is used as the projectile particle 3, wherein the isotope 4 elastically scattered on the projectile particle 3 is a stable isotope 4W ( 180 W. 182 W. 183 W. 184 W. 186 W; or its natural mixture, according to Figure 1a ), and wherein the resulting nuclear reaction is 10 B(p,α) 7 In another example, you can select 11 B(p,α) 8 Be, where 8 Be based on 8 Be→2α further decays, where the W isotope 4 is used as a nucleus on which the projectile 3 is elastically scattered. Another example may include 98Mo(p,n) 99m The nuclear reaction of Tc, wherein the isotope 4 on which the projectile 3 is elastically scattered is the W isotope 4 forming the cladding of the nuclear target 1. In another embodiment, the precursor 21 or the precursor 22 can be placed into the body of the nuclear target 1, for example, as part of the cladding of the cavity 12 ( Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b 、 Figure 1d 、 Figure 1e and Figure 1f ), and / or placing it in the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 ( Figure 1c 、 Figure 1d 、 Figure 1e and Figure 1f ). The above-mentioned placement of the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23b can also be combined, such as Figure 1d-1f shown.

[0087] According to another example of embodiment, the nuclear target 1 may contain a natural mixture of boron, i.e. 20% 10 B and 80% 11 B, serves as the core of precursor 21 and / or precursor 22 and / or precursor 23. Figure 1a The schematic diagram illustrates an ordered distribution of precursors 21, the cross section of which corresponds to a circle. In this embodiment, the respective precursors 21 can be implanted into the body of the nuclear target 1 using various chemical-physical processes, such as chemical or physical vapor deposition (CVD or PVD, respectively). Figure 1b A situation is schematically shown in which a precursor 22 is deposited in a defined area and forms a material body having cavities 12 . Figure 1c An embodiment is shown in which the precursor 23 is placed directly in the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1, that is, the precursor 23 is not implanted in the material of the nuclear target 1, but is placed in a portion of the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 and serves as a filler in the cavity 12. The precursor 22 can also be placed directly into the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 using known PVD, CVD, or ion implantation methods, or as a bulk material. Figure 1d Schematically shows possible combinations of placement of two precursors 22 and 23. Similarly, it is possible to provide Figure 1e An embodiment in which there are a precursor 21 and a precursor 23, wherein the first precursor 21 forms part of the body of the material. The second precursor 23 is placed in the cavity 12. Figure 1f The first and second precursors 21 and / or the precursors 22 and 23 may be the same isotope. Figure 1f , the isotopic compositions of the first and second precursors 21 and / or precursor 22 or precursor 23 are different. Figure 1d-1fThe preferred embodiment of the target 1 can be used in particular in the field of heat generation by fission nuclear reactions. In this preferred embodiment, the target 1 can include a precursor 21 and / or a precursor 22 in the cladding, which contains, for example, an isotope 233 U. 235 U and 239 Meanwhile, the nuclear target 1 comprises a cavity 12 which is filled with a precursor 23, at least partially serving as a filler. The second precursor 23 may be 3 H or LiD, so as to emit neutrons capable of inducing a fission nuclear reaction on the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 when interacting with the projectile 3. Finally, due to the interaction of the above-selected precursors 21 and / or the precursors 22 and 23 with the projectile 3, an exothermic nuclear reaction occurs.

[0088] In another embodiment, the nuclear target 1 may be enriched, for example having a concentration of up to 90% 10 B, thereby inducing an appropriate reaction scheme according to the above-mentioned nuclear reaction. The distribution of the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23 can also be selected according to its intended use, for example, a higher concentration of the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23 at the edge of the nuclear target 1. It is also possible to use two types of precursors 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23, or place them simultaneously, for example, according to Figure 1d-1f arrangement.

[0089] The nuclear target 1 may be of substantially planar shape, having an opening 11 and a cavity 12 in the body of material behind the opening 11. The cavity 12 may take any shape. Figure 1a-Figure 1d A schematic cross-section of a nuclear target 1 is shown, wherein a portion of the cross-section of the cavity 12 corresponds essentially to a circle. In another embodiment, for example according to FIG8 , the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 12 can correspond to an elliptical, rectangular, mushroom-shaped, or polygonal cross-section with a conical opening 11. However, the nuclear target 1 always includes an opening 11 for the projectile particles 3 to enter the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1.

[0090] exist Figure 2a In the preferred embodiment shown, the cavity 12 can be formed of two parts. A first part 121 represents the narrower part of the cavity 12, through which the projectile particles 3 pass. In the second part 122 of the cavity 12, which has a larger volume than the first part 121, the projectile particles 3 are deposited and elastically scattered on the nucleus of the isotope 4, or induce nuclear reactions on specific precursors 21 and / or precursors 22 and / or precursors 23. The advantage of the narrower part 121 of the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 is that the backscattered particles 31 emitted from the nuclear target 1 outside the area of ​​the cavity 12 are minimized. Another advantage of the cavity 12 having the parts 121 and 122 is that the beam 3 of the projectile particles 3 does not have to be focused perpendicular to the nuclear target 1. The beam 3 of the projectile particles 3 can be deposited into the cavity 12 at a specific angle, for example according to Figure 2b The elastic scattering of the projectile particles 3 in the cavity 12 ensures that a sufficient number of projectile particles 3 are trapped to induce a sufficient number of nuclear reactions on the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23 .

[0091] The opening 11 of the nuclear target 1 is used to admit projectile particles 3, such as protons, deuterium, or light nuclei, which can be accelerated in a conventional particle accelerator. In another embodiment, a laser-controlled accelerator can be used. In another embodiment, a collimated beam of projectile particles 3 from a static emitter, such as an AmBe, RaBe, or PuBe, can also be used. When neutrons are used as projectile particles 3, a spallation source or a collimated neutron beam from a fission reactor can also be used. The projectile particles 3 pass through the opening 11 of the nuclear target 1 and are deposited in its cavity 12. Ideally, exactly two possible interactions occur in the cavity 12. The first interaction consists of an induced nuclear reaction between the projectile particles 3 and a precursor 21 and / or a precursor 22 and / or a precursor 23, where the projectile particles 3 and the precursors 21 and / or 22 and / or 23 are appropriately selected depending on the industrial application. In the latter case of the desired interaction, the projectile 3 is elastically scattered on the isotope 4, wherein the kinetic energy of the projectile 3 is dissipated until the projectile 3 interacts with the desired nuclear reaction selected from the possible interaction channels, and the nuclear reaction occurs on the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23.

[0092] The volume of the nuclear target 1, the thickness of the walls of the nuclear target 1, the size and shape of the cavity 12, the distribution of the precursors 21 and / or 22 and / or 23, and other generally required parameters of the nuclear target 1 are appropriately selected based on the desired nuclear reaction and related industrial applications. These parameters can be determined using commonly used computer programs.

[0093] The final product of the nuclear reaction of the projectile 3 with the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23 can be, for example, a radioactive isotope for use in radiotherapy, a radioactive isotope for imaging in medical applications and / or materials diagnostics. In another embodiment, the final product can be a stable isotope 4 with a short and / or medium half-life. In another embodiment, the final product can be a stable isotope 4 produced in an exothermic nuclear reaction, which can then be converted into heat 9 in the heat converter 91.

[0094] In accordance with Figure 3a and Figure 3b In an embodiment, the nuclear target 1 can be further equipped with a laser target 5 comprising a layer 50 which emits projectile particles 3 if its reverse side 51 is exposed to a laser beam. Thus, an accelerated projectile particle beam 3 is emitted from the layer 50 which can be used to induce a nuclear reaction in the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 according to the invention. Figure 3aIn the embodiment shown, a laser target 5 having a layer 50 is placed immediately in front of the opening 11 of the nuclear target 1. After being struck by the laser pulse 52, the projectile particles 3 are ejected directly into the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1, where they induce a nuclear reaction or are elastically scattered. The emission of the projectile particles 3 is provided by using the TNSA mechanism (M. Roth, M. Schollmeier. Ion Acceleration—Target Normal Sheath Acceleration. Vol. 1 (2016): Proceedings of the 2014 CAS-CERN Accelerator School: Plasma Wake Acceleration, DOI: https: / / doi.org / 10.5170 / CERN-2016-001.231). In another embodiment, as Figure 3b As shown, a laser target 5 can be placed into the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 before the insertion opening 11 to accelerate the projectile particles 3 into the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1. The advantage of inserting a laser target 5 between the laser target 5 and the opening 11 of the nuclear target 1 is that it is possible to place a vacuum pump 6 under the influence of the laser pulse 52 and the acceleration of the laser wake field, which can extract impurities emitted from the laser target 5. A preferred embodiment also provides for offsetting the laser target 5 from the layer 50, which, in the case of conductive material of the nuclear target 1, provides shielding between the electromagnetic pulse of the laser radiation and the nuclear target 1. In the case where the projectile particles 3 represent a mixture of isotopes 4, this insertion makes it possible to configure the time sequence in which the projectile particles 3 will impact and interact with the precursors 21 and / or 22 and / or 23, or the time sequence in which the products of the interaction of the previous wave of projectile particles 3 with the precursors 21 and / or 22 and / or 23 are generated. Such an exemplary embodiment with a time series of the projectile particles 3 incident into the cavity 12 can be obtained from Torrisi, Lorenzo & Cavallaro, Stefano & Cutroneo, M. & Krasa, Josef & Klir, Daniel. (2014). 16 Wcm -2Inducing DD nuclear fusion at high intensities. Physica Scripta. 2014.014026.10.1088 / 0031-8949 / 2014 / T161 / 014026. The order of incident projectiles 3 and their interactions with precursors 21 and / or 22 and / or 23 is provided by more complex laser target 5 configurations, such as the "catcher-pitcher" configuration reported in D. Margarone et al. (2020). Generation of α-Particle Beams with a Multi-kJ, Peta-Watt Class Laser System, Frontiers in Physics, September 2020, Volume B, Article 343.

[0095] The preferred embodiment with the laser target 5 is able to provide a high energy hadronic particle beam, such as protons, light nuclei, heavy nuclei (such as Au) or neutrons, but also electron beams, without the need for complex beam transport. Figure 3b The preferred embodiment shown enables, among other things, the use of a laser-controlled accelerator, which is generally considered a more compact and less expensive option than conventional accelerators.

[0096] Figure 3c Another embodiment is further schematically shown, which comprises a nuclear target 1 and a laser target 5. The area between the laser target 5 and the nuclear target 1 is closed to prevent fluid exchange with the surrounding environment. The closed area can then be filled with a liquid or gas containing a precursor 23.

[0097] In another preferred embodiment, the material, structure, and thickness of the laser target 5 can be selected so that the laser pulse focus (pulse cross section) is appropriately selected using the TNSA mechanism, thereby producing an optimal projectile particle spectrum in terms of particle intensity and energy spectrum. In one example embodiment, the isotopic composition of the nuclear target 1 is selected to consist of exactly two isotopes. The first isotope is the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23, which are located in the cladding and / or cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1. The second isotope is the atomic nucleus on which the projectile 3 is elastically scattered. This embodiment offers the advantage that, after bombarding the projectile 3, only interaction with the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23 is permitted, or the projectile 3 is elastically scattered on the isotope 4 until it interacts with the atomic nuclei of the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23. In the next stage, the products of the nuclear reaction with the projectile 3 can also enter the process. For example, as reported by Torrisi, Lorenzo & Cavallaro, Stefano & Cutroneo, M. & Krasa, Josef & Klir, Daniel. (2014), these products can reach the cavity 12 with a certain delay through ions with a smaller mass-to-charge ratio. 16 Wcm -2 Inducing DD nuclear fusion at high intensity. Physica Scripta.2014.014026.10.1088 / 0031-8949 / 2014 / T161 / 014026. Ultimately, the yield of the nuclear reaction increases.

[0098] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the inner side 123 of the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 is provided with a layer 32. The layer 32 comprises atomic nuclei which are able to emit secondary projectile particles 320 after interacting with the projectile particles 3. Figure 4 A specific embodiment is shown with a laser target 5. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the technical function of the layer 32 is completely separable from that of the laser target 5 and can therefore be implemented in any embodiment without any further technical difficulties, e.g. according to Figure 1a-Figure 1f and / or Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b , or the beneficial technical effects can be combined with any of the above examples. More specifically, for example, according to Figure 4 The technical functionality of the layer 32 of the embodiment shown can be implemented in accordance with Figure 2a or Figure 3bIn an embodiment, the first and second parts 121, 122 of the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 can be configured so that the backscattered particles 31 impinge on the layer 32, or the nuclear target 1 can be provided with the layer 32 having the laser target 5. The technical functions remain completely separable, including the advantages provided. Due to the interaction with the primary projectile particles 3, the layer 32 is then able to emit additional secondary projectile particles 320. This preferred embodiment offers the possibility of a chain reaction, i.e., more projectile particles are released into the cavity 12 than were initially deposited by the primary projectile particle beam 3. Similarly, this advantage can be achieved by a suitable combination of precursors 23 in the cavity 12. For example, if the laser target 5 is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), protons and carbon ions will be present in the projectile particles 3. 12 C. If hydrogen also with e.g. 11 B is included in the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23, then its nucleus-protons will be gradually accelerated to an energy of 150 keV or higher through secondary reactions with the ejected particles, thereby allowing further reactions, e.g. 11 B(p,2α) 4 He. The hydrogen nuclei in the precursor 23 will also be replaced by the previous p 11 The alpha particles formed in reaction B are accelerated.

[0099] Figure 5 A belt is shown with multiple nuclear targets 1 according to the present invention, comprising a plurality of openings 11 and cavities 12. This embodiment demonstrates the advantages of moving the nuclear targets 1 in direction 7. Once a certain number of nuclei of precursors 21, 22, and 23 have been consumed in the volume of a first cavity 12, the nuclear targets 1 are moved in direction 7 such that the projectile beam 3, along with the unconsumed precursors 21, 22, and 23, falls into the next cavity 12, thereby allowing for continued induction of the nuclear reaction. This example can be used, for example, in the context of an exothermic nuclear reaction with a heat exchanger 91 positioned around the nuclear targets 1. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the nuclear targets 1 can form an annular belt irradiated by a single projectile source 3, with the nuclear targets 1 being moved in direction 7 as needed.

[0100] Figure 6a and Figure 6b An embodiment of a nuclear target 1 is shown, which has a luminophore 8 applied to an opening 11. More specifically, the outer side 110 of the opening 11 is provided with the luminophore 8. Commonly used luminophores 8 can be used, such as Gd3Ga3Al2O 12:CeMg. Figure 6 illustrates a scenario in which projectile particles 3 are generated from a laser target 5 by a laser-controlled accelerator, with a laser pulse 52 focused on the laser target 5. The projectile particles 3 are launched into the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1, interacting with the nuclei of the precursors 21, 22, and / or 23. In one embodiment, the interaction between the projectile particles 3 and the nuclei of the precursors 21, 22, and / or 23 can be an exothermic nuclear reaction. It is also possible that excessive gas 9 is released into the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 as a secondary product of the interaction, or that the cavity 12 has a less-than-optimal shape, leading to a significant backflow of particles against the direction of the pulse 52. As a result, a portion of the interior of the cavity 12 can be torn apart and emitted outward in a direction 81. This emission in direction 81 does not necessarily represent atomic and / or subatomic particles, or backscattered projectile particles 31, but can also be small particles visible to the naked eye. In the case described above, the luminous body 8 provides a safety function capable of detecting if a part of the nuclear target 1 has been torn off and fallen outside the area of ​​the cavity 12. This advantageous embodiment can also be used when handling hazardous isotopes 4 such as nuclear fission products. Figure 6a The embodiment in FIG. 1 illustrates a luminophore 8 which can also be mixed with a precursor 23 in the cavity 12. Similarly, Figure 6b The use of luminophores 8 is described, which can help optimize the intensity and energy spectrum of the projectile particles 3. This intentionally defocuses the laser beam. If the laser is misaligned, the pulse trajectory 52 may not optimally overlap the opening 11. The subsequent distribution of luminophores 8 after irradiation can be used to optimize the internal shape of the cavity 12 according to the intended use, for example, according to FIG8 . Figure 8e FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the shape of the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 , wherein the shape of the cavity 12 is optimized so that the backscattered particles are further reflected into the cavity 12 . Figure 8e The nuclear target 1 is composed of several segments 13, which have advantages when manufacturing the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 in substantially any shape. The individual segments 13 of the nuclear target 1 are assembled so as to effectively prevent the scattering of the projectile particles 3 outside the area of ​​the cavity 12. Thus, the shape of the cavity is optimized with respect to possible nuclear reaction yield losses.

[0101] The above embodiments can be combined with the preferred nuclear reaction selected according to the use of the present invention. In one embodiment, a nuclear target 1 further provided with a laser target 5 can be used, for example made of a polymer (CD2) n- a layer 50 of polyethylene, in which hydrogen nuclei are replaced by deuterium nuclei, for example according to Torris, L. and Cutroneo, M., "Triple nuclear reactions (d, n) in laser-generated plasma from deuterated targets", Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 24, No. 6, 2017, doi: 10.1063 / 1.4984997. The nuclear target 1 can be made of tungsten and filled with 6 LiD and / or 7 LiD or Nat The precursor 21 or precursor 22 and precursor 23 of LiD. A beam of a mixture of accelerated deuterons, carbon nuclei and protons forms a projectile beam 3 emitted from the laser target 5 to the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1. The projectile particles 3 collide with the nuclei of the precursor 21 and / or precursor 22 and / or precursor 23 contained in the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1. This induces a corresponding nuclear reaction in the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1, and the DD and Li-D ( 7 Li(d,n) 8 In the case of a reaction with Be), these nuclear reactions produce neutrons. Projectile particles 3 that do not collide with the nuclei of precursors 21 and / or 22 and / or 23 are elastically scattered by isotopes 4 or by nuclei of products of reactions between projectile particles 3 and precursors 21 and / or 22 and / or 23 until a corresponding nuclear reaction occurs on precursors 21 and / or 22 and / or 23.

[0102] In another example, the laser target 5 may consist of a HDPE layer 50. According to this example, the accelerated projectile particles 3, ie protons, are generated from the laser target 5, resulting in a reaction with, for example, a powdered amorphous 10 B and / or 11 B or Nat Induced nuclear reaction of precursor 21 and / or precursor 22 and / or precursor 23 in the B form. In this example, the following reactions are possible: 11 B(p,n) 11 C and ongoing 11 B(p,α) 8 Be and 10 B(p,α) 7 Be can then be chemically separated to obtain the radioisotope, one of the products being 11 C, is a pure positron emitter with a half-life of 20 minutes, which can be used for medical diagnosis or material defect diagnosis. In another embodiment, the laser target 5 can be a polymer film (CD2) capable of emitting deuterium. n Layer 50, wherein185 Re、 187 Re or Nat Natural mixtures of Re can be used as precursor 21 and / or precursor 22 and / or precursor 23 in the nuclear target 1. Natural rhenium is 185 Re and 187 According to this example, the projectile 3, i.e. deuterium, is generated from the laser target 5 and if deuterium is contained in the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23 in the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1, 2 H(d,n) 3 He or 2 H(d,n+p) 2 The nuclear reaction of H results in the production of neutrons, and subsequently 185 Re(n,γ) 186 Re、 187 Re(n,γ) 188 The reaction of Re leads to 186 Re and 188 The production of Re radionuclides with half-lives of 90 and 17 hours respectively is used for 99m Tc and other medicine.

[0103] In another example, for the purpose of inducing an exothermic nuclear reaction, the reaction 3 He(d,p) 4 He, 6 Li(d,α) 4 He, 7 Li(p,α) 4 He, 10 B(p,α) 7 Be, 11 B(p,2α) 4 He, 15 N(p,α) 12 C or 6 Li(p, 3 He) 4 He, followed by a secondary reaction 3 He( 6 Li,2α) 1 H and 3 He( 3 He,2p) 4 He. Other possible exothermic nuclear reactions include: 3 H(d,n) 4 He, 2 H(n,γ) 3 H. 6 Li(n, 3 He) 4 He, 10B(n,α) 7 Li, 7 Be(n,p) 7 Li, 13 C(n,γ) 14 C. 14 N(n,p) 14 C. 17 O(n,α) 14 C. 21 Ne(n,α) 18 O. 22 Na(n,p) 22 Ne or 37 Ar(n,α) 34 S. The energy released can be converted into heat 9. Figure 6 and Figure 7 An example of heat generation 9 in a nuclear target 1 is schematically shown. Figure 7 The projectile particles 3 generated by the synchrotron 301 are schematically shown. In view of the preferred embodiment described above, a conventional projectile particle accelerator 3 can be used as the generator of the projectile particles 3. When the projectile particles 3 collide with the nuclei of the precursors 21, 22, and / or 23, they induce an exothermic nuclear reaction in the nuclear target 1, generating heat 9 within the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1. This heat 9 is then conducted to the exterior of the nuclear target 1 via a heat exchanger 91. The heat exchanger 91 can then be connected to a steam generator for generating electrical energy. In accordance with applicable nuclear safety regulations, the nuclear target 1 and the heat exchanger 91 can be placed within a containment vessel 92.

[0104] In the following exemplary embodiments, the present invention discloses a method for inducing a nuclear reaction. In a first step, a projectile particle beam 3 is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the projectile particles 3 have a spectrum and intensity optimized for the desired reaction. These projectile particles 3 are deposited in a cavity 12 of a nuclear target 1 containing nuclei of precursors 21 and / or 22 and / or 23. The projectile particles 3 either induce a nuclear reaction or elastically scatter onto isotopes 4 of the material from which the nuclear target 1 is made. At a certain step in the method of the present invention, after the induced reaction has burned out, the radioisotope preparation method ends or can be repeated; this repetition can occur in the same cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1, or the nuclear target 1 can be moved further and the projectile particles 3 focused into a new cavity 12 containing unconsumed precursors 21 and / or 22 and / or 23.

[0105] One method of detecting the number of nuclear reactions occurring on the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23 is to measure the ionizing radiation emitted from the nuclear target 1. In one embodiment, the nuclear reaction can be detected using 10 B(p,α) 7 Be, thereby detecting 7Gamma radiation from the de-excitation of Be. Monitoring of gamma radiation can be used as an indicator of the number of induced nuclear reactions.

[0106] The accelerated projectile particles 3 may also be positive ions, which may induce nuclear fusion or nuclear fission with other materials within the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 .

[0107] In a certain example, by combining the materials of the irradiated nuclear target 1 , preferably by generating accelerated projectile particles 3 by the laser target 5 , a number of reactions other than those described above can be induced.

[0108] Another combination includes protons as high energy projectile particles 3 with precursor 21 and / or precursor 22 and / or precursor 23. 16 O nuclei collide. The collision may cause 16 O(p,α) 13 The nuclear reaction of N, 13 Nitrogen is a short half-life radioisotope that can further decay via alpha decay.

[0109] In another embodiment, protons are accelerated projectile particles 3 and react with the core containing precursor 21 and / or precursor 22 and / or precursor 23. 18 O nuclear target 1 collides, thereby inducing nuclear fusion 18 O(p,n) 18 F, where 18 F is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 109 minutes.

[0110] In another example, protons are accelerated projectile particles 3 and 10 B's nuclear target 1 collides, triggering 10 B(p,α) 7 Be nuclear reaction, where 7 Be is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 53 days.

[0111] In another example, protons are accelerated projectile particles 3 and 15 N nuclei collide with target 1, thereby inducing 15 N(p,n) 15 O nuclear reaction, where 15 O is a radioactive isotope with a short half-life.

[0112] By using other projectiles 3, or using another laser target 5, positive ion projectiles 3 can be generated. In one embodiment, it can be a particle that falls into a molten pool containing precursor 21 and / or precursor 22 and / or precursor 23. 12 The high-energy deuterium in the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 of C nuclei can induce 12 C(d,n) 13 The nuclear reaction of N,13 Nitrogen is a radioactive isotope with a short half-life.

[0113] In another example, deuterium as the accelerated projectile particle 3 and the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23 are reacted with each other. 14 The collision of N nuclei can induce 14 N(d,n) 15 O nuclear reaction, where 15 O is a radioactive isotope with a short half-life.

[0114] In another example, deuterium as the accelerated projectile particle 3 and the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23 are reacted with each other. 20 Collisions of Ne nuclei can induce 20 Ne(d,α) 18 F nuclear reaction, where 18 F is a radioactive isotope with a short half-life.

[0115] In other examples, neutrons can be used as projectile particles 3, wherein they can be accelerated by a two-stage laser target 5, wherein protons generated in a first laser target fall on a second laser target made of, for example, LiF. Furthermore, neutrons can be generated directly in the cavity 12 as part of the deuteron reaction with the precursor 21 and / or the precursor 22 and / or the precursor 23, for example by using a stripping reaction. 2 H(d,n) 3 He, 2 H(d,n+p) 2 H reaction, especially 3 H(d,n) 4 He.

[0116] In another embodiment, according to this approach, by 2 H(d,n) 3 He, 2 H(d,n+p) 2 H reaction, especially 3 H(d,n) 4 He, neutrons can also be used as projectile particles in nuclear fission.

[0117] In another example, the nuclear target 1 can be enriched with the nuclei of burned nuclear fuel or made of burned fuel material, wherein a tritium precursor 23 bombarded with projectile particles 3-deuterium is placed in the cavity 12 to form a neutron pulse to cause the nuclei of heavy nuclei to 233 U(n, fission), 235 U(n, fission), 239 Pu(n, fission) fissions in a reaction.

[0118] Figure 9aA laser-controlled laser beam emission accelerator is schematically shown, which irradiates a laser target 5 with a laser pulse 52. The laser target 5 consists of a backscattering layer 51 exposed to the laser pulse 52 and is provided with a layer 50 that generates accelerated projectiles 3 toward the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1 by the TNSA mechanism. The accelerated projectiles 3 enter the cavity 12 through the opening 11 and enter the wider part 122 of the cavity 12 through the narrower part 121 of the cavity 12. In the cavity 12, the projectiles 3 either collide with the nuclei of the precursor 23 or are elastically scattered on the isotope 4. The narrower part 121 of the cavity 12 prevents the backscattered projectiles 31 from leaving the cavity 12. In accordance with Figure 9a In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the nuclear target 1 is separated from the laser target 5 , which is part of the laser accelerator.

[0119] In another example of an embodiment, according to Figure 9b , the nuclear target 1 can be pre-equipped with a laser target 5, that is, firmly fixed to the nuclear target 1 so that the projectile particles 3 are emitted from the laser target 5 after the laser pulse 52 is incident on the cavity 12 of the nuclear target 1. Figure 9b In the example shown, the device is also equipped with a nuclear target 1 comprising a luminophore 8 deposited on the outer side 110 of the opening 11. Therefore, the layer 50 emitting projectile particles does not need to be part of the accelerator and can be supplied as a single product together with the nuclear target 1. The preconfigured laser target 5 offers the advantage of at least partial shielding against the electromagnetic pulses induced by the high-power pulsed laser. This arrangement also allows the use of a liquid precursor 23.

[0120] Experimental example

[0121] According to the present invention, the experimental device is specifically designed for the representation of nuclear targets. The schematic diagram corresponding to the experimental demonstration is shown in FIG. Figure 10a and 10b shown.

[0122] like Figure 10a As shown in Figure 1, the experimental setup consists of six tungsten nuclear targets. Each nuclear target includes a cylindrical cavity with a diameter of 1 mm and a depth of 0.8 mm. Figure 10a The total thickness of the nuclear target is 1.6 mm. The cavities are covered by MYLAR foil with a thickness of 23 μm. Each cavity contains a precursor and is filled with coumarin, which produces luminescence under ultraviolet light. The schematic diagram of the nuclear target with a cavity matrix is ​​shown in Figure 10b The following table shows the Figure 10b The cavity numbers shown are the laser shots performed on the corresponding cavities of the nuclear target. With medium laser contrast 10 -9 Laser pulses (30 fs) provide non-relativistic intensities (≈10 17 W / cm 2). As shown in the table, the laser pulse energy used was 6 joules or 10 joules.

[0123]

[0124] In the experiment, the laser emission was directed to a cavity covered by a MYLAR foil. According to the inventors' observations, the laser emission did not have any effect on the tungsten surface of the nuclear target, regardless of the energy of the laser pulse. This was particularly evident on target #2, where the laser emission did not hit the cavity but the tungsten surface. The coumarin filling was not ejected from the cavity by the laser emission, so it can be effectively used to monitor the nuclear reactions therein. Powdered target materials with a low atomic number Z allow a sufficiently long mean free path for ejected particles and rescattering of secondary particles, which leads to dissipation of the beam energy within a certain volume of the target. In contrast, the high-Z tungsten body of the target with a large Coulomb barrier reflects beam particles at given beam parameters without any noticeable changes in the target body. The inventors further provide a post-experimental analysis of each cavity used for emission. Representative examples are as follows: Figure 11 shown. Figure 12 Shows the Figure 11 The lines shown are depth profiles for each target.

[0125] Industrial Applicability

[0126] The present invention has applications across a wide range of industries because, in part, it represents a universal method for inducing nuclear reactions. In one industrial application, the present invention can be used to prepare radioisotopes, particularly radiopharmaceuticals. In another industrial application, the present invention can be used to transmute burning nuclear fuel, thereby converting hazardous nuclear waste into stable isotopes, or at least isotopes with short half-lives. In a third, but not the last, industrial application, the present invention can be used to generate heat from controlled nuclear reactions.

Claims

1. A nuclear target (1) formed as a body, wherein the nuclear target (1) comprises at least one precursor (21 and / or 22 and / or 23) capable of inducing a nuclear reaction when interacting with a projectile particle (3), characterized in that The nuclear target (1) comprises: - at least one opening (11) for passing the beam of projectile particles (3); and - a cavity (12) located in the body of the nuclear target (1) behind the opening (11), wherein - the cavity (12) is provided in the material body of the nuclear target (1) downstream of the opening (11), and wherein - the cavity (12) is designed to receive a beam of projectile particles (3) passing through the opening (11), characterized in that The cavity (12) comprises a precursor (21 and / or 22 and / or 23) and / or is formed by and / or surrounded by the precursor, and in that, The nuclear target (1) comprises at least one isotope (4) on which the projectile particles (3) are elastically scattered.

2. The nuclear target according to claim 1, characterized in that The isotopes (4) on which the projectile particles (3) are elastically scattered are: - an isotope (4) of a nucleus different from the nucleus of the precursor (21 and / or 22 and / or 23); or - an isotope (4) of the same nucleus as the nucleus of the precursor (21 and / or 22 and / or 23), wherein the impacting projectile (3) has a kinetic energy which is different from the threshold energy for inducing a nuclear reaction.

3. The nuclear target (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least a portion of the nuclear target (1) is formed by the precursor (22) surrounding the cavity (12) and / or includes the precursor (23) in the cavity (12).

4. The nuclear target (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The nuclear target (1) comprises at least two identical precursors (21 and / or 22 and / or 23) or different precursors (21 and / or 22 and / or 23) located differently therein.

5. The nuclear target (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The nuclear target (1) consists of two isotopes, wherein the first isotope is a precursor (21 and / or 22 and / or 23) and the second isotope is an isotope (4) on which the projectile particle (3) is elastically scattered.

6. The nuclear target (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The nuclear target (1) is also equipped with a laser target (5) capable of emitting projectile particles (3) upon interaction with laser radiation.

7. The nuclear target (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner side (123) of the cavity (12) is provided with a layer (32) of the material and / or the cavity (12) comprises a material that emits secondary projectile particles (320) in the event of interaction with a projectile particle (3) or another particle resulting from an interaction within the cavity (12).

8. The nuclear target (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The nuclear target (1) is provided with a plurality of openings (11) and a corresponding number of cavities (12).

9. The nuclear target (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The nuclear target (1) comprises an isotope (4) selected from nuclei having an inelastic scattering threshold with the nuclei of the projectile particles (3) or precursors (21 and / or 22), or nuclei whose reaction products of the projectile particles (3) and the precursors (21 and / or 22 and / or 23) have higher energies than the interacting nuclei.

10. The nuclear target (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that A portion of the opening (11) and / or the cavity (12) is provided with a luminous body (8) and / or a scintillator.

11. The nuclear target (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The nuclear target (1) consists of a plurality of segments (13) arranged in such a way that the segments form a single material body, wherein the shape of the cavity (12) is used to suppress the scattering of the projectile particles (3) outside the area of ​​the cavity (12).

12. A device suitable for preparing radioactive isotopes, wherein the device comprises a source of projectile particles (3) which can be adjusted so that the projectile particles (3) fall on a cavity (12) of a nuclear target (1), characterized in that The nuclear target (1) is a nuclear target (1) according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. The device for preparing radioactive isotopes according to claim 12, characterized in that: The device comprises a laser target (5) which emits projectile particles (3) after being struck by a laser pulse (52), wherein the laser target (5) is placed in front of an opening (11) of the nuclear target (1) so that the emitted projectile particles (3) fall into a cavity (12) in the nuclear target (1).

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