Apparatus for producing radioactive isotopes, and method for producing the same

Abstract

This invention provides a stable supply of high-purity radioactive isotopes of the target nuclide, while also offering a radioactive isotope manufacturing technology that reduces accelerator adjustment lead times and production costs. [Solution] The radioactive isotope production apparatus 10 includes a target 13 that contains a stable nuclide 14a which is converted into a radioactive nuclide 14b by irradiation with a particle beam 15; a detection unit 31 that detects the generated gamma ray γ; a measurement unit 32 that measures the temperature distribution T of the heated target 13; a calculation unit 43 that calculates a first factor indicating the performance of the particle beam 15 based on the gamma ray γ detection signal 11 and the temperature distribution T measurement signal 12; an acquisition unit 47 that acquires parameters 17a set in the components of the accelerator 20 that irradiates the particle beam 15; and an update unit 46 that updates the parameters 17a so that the first factor 41 approaches the second factor 42 of an ideal particle beam 15 that produces stable nuclide 14a with high purity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a technology for producing radioactive isotopes to be incorporated into medical drugs. [Background technology]

[0002] Among the various forms of radiation therapy for cancer, there is one called radioisotope (RI) therapy. In this therapy, a drug containing radioisotopes (RI drugs) is administered into the body, directly irradiating cancer cells with radiation. When these RI drugs are imported from abroad, shortages due to transportation problems can significantly impact treatment plans at the hospital. To resolve this problem, the manufacture of RI drugs domestically using accelerator beams is being considered.

[0003] Currently imported foreign-made radioisotopes (RIs) are manufactured using nuclear reactors through nuclear fission or neutron activation. On the other hand, when using accelerator beams, RIs are manufactured through particle capture reactions or photonuclear reactions. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-198236 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Incidentally, beam instability is inherent in accelerator operation. In radioisotope (RI) production, the performance of the accelerator beam greatly affects the amount and purity of the target nuclide produced. Although other nuclides are also produced by beam irradiation, and the target nuclide is chemically separated, it is generally difficult to chemically separate the isotopes of the target nuclide. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the production of isotopes other than the target nuclide at the beam irradiation stage. As an example, the nuclide Lu-177 (half-life 6.647 days), which is incorporated into the RI drug Lutatera, is mainly produced in nuclear reactors, but the content of its nuclear isomer, Lu-177m (half-life 160.4 days), is less than 0.05%.

[0006] To improve the stability of the output beam, it is essential to adjust the accelerator during operation. Accelerator adjustment involves measuring the output beam with a measurement system installed on the beamline and determining the parameters for adjusting the accelerator's components. Generally, accelerator operation begins in measurement mode to determine the parameters of each component, and then switches to actual operation mode to output the beam.

[0007] The accelerator tuning process described above works fine during the startup phase when the beam output begins. However, the beam may become unstable during operation while the accelerator is outputting the beam. In this case, it becomes necessary to readjust the accelerator and switch the parameters of the accelerator's components in order to restore beam stability. This is expected to increase the lead time for accelerator tuning and raise the manufacturing cost of radioisotopes.

[0008] The embodiments of the present invention have been made in consideration of these circumstances, and aim to provide a radioactive isotope manufacturing technology that provides a stable supply of high-purity radioactive isotopes of the nuclide of interest, while suppressing the lead time for accelerator adjustment and manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The radioactive isotope production apparatus of the embodiment includes: a target containing a stable nuclide that is converted into a radioactive nuclide by irradiation with a particle beam; a detection unit for detecting gamma rays generated in conjunction with the irradiation with the particle beam; a measurement unit for measuring the temperature distribution of the target which is heated in conjunction with the irradiation with the particle beam; a calculation unit for calculating a first factor indicating the performance of the particle beam based on the gamma ray detection signal and the temperature distribution measurement signal; an acquisition unit for acquiring parameters set in the components of the accelerator that irradiates the particle beam; and an update unit for updating the parameters so that the first factor approaches the second factor of an ideal particle beam that produces the radioactive nuclide of interest in high purity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide a radioactive isotope manufacturing technology that ensures a stable supply of high-purity radioactive isotopes of the target nuclide, while also suppressing the lead time for accelerator adjustment and manufacturing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] An overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the radioactive isotope production apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the main body and instrumentation section of a radioactive isotope manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main body of a radioactive isotope manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] A front view of the target of the main body of the radioactive isotope production apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating a method for producing radioactive isotopes according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a radioactive isotope production apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The radioactive isotope production apparatus 10 is mainly composed of an accelerator 20, a beam transport system 16 for the beam 15, a main body portion 30, and an instrumentation portion 40.

[0013] The accelerator 20 is composed of an ion source 21 and a linac 22 (22a, 22b). The ion source 21 includes, but is not limited to, high-frequency (including microwaves) irradiation type such as an ECR (Electron Cyclotron Resonance) ion source and a PIG (Penning Ionization Gauge) ion source, and also includes a laser irradiation type ion source and the like.

[0014] The linac 22 arranges a plurality of accelerating electric fields having opposite electric field components adjacent to each other in a straight line, repeatedly reverses the electric field direction at a high-frequency, and always accelerates charged particles passing through the accelerating electric field in only one direction. Then, this linac 22 accelerates the ions incident from the ion source 21 to a predetermined energy and then emits them to the main body portion 30.

[0015] The linac 22 is composed of a radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) linac 22a and a drift tube linac (DTL) 22b. In the embodiment, the linac 22 is composed of two types, but more types of configurations may be adopted because it generates an electric field that can accelerate the beam most efficiently according to the speed of the beam that becomes faster as it is accelerated.

[0016] The RFQ linac 22a is connected to the subsequent stage of the ion source 21 and includes four electrodes (not shown) that form a quadrupole electric field by high frequency. The RFQ linac 22a simultaneously performs acceleration and convergence on the ion beam from the ion source 21 by the quadrupole electric field.

[0017] DTL22b is connected to the subsequent stage of the RFQ linear accelerator 22a, and includes an electrode (not shown) that forms an electric field along the central axis by high frequency, and drift tubes (not shown) that are respectively arranged apart from each other along the central axis. During the period when the electric field is directed in the traveling direction parallel to the central axis, DTL22b accelerates the ion beam from the RFQ linear accelerator 22a, and during the period when the electric field is directed opposite to the traveling direction, the ion beam is gradually accelerated by passing the ion beam through the drift tubes.

[0018] Then, the accelerator control unit 23 controls the ion source 21, the linac 22 (22a, 22b), and the transport system 16 in联动 so that the acceleration of the particle beam 15 described above is correctly performed and guided to the main body unit 30.

[0019] The beam transport system 16 is also provided with quadrupole electromagnets (not shown) for retaining the charged particles traveling straight within the orbit. And a main body unit 30 that houses the stable nuclide 14a that is converted into the radioactive nuclide 14b by the irradiation of the particle beam 15 (FIG. 2) is connected to the end of this beam transport system 16.

[0020] Hereinafter, these control targets of the control unit 23 described above are collectively referred to as constituent devices. These constituent devices operate based on the parameters set for each, and are controlled in联动 so that the particle beam 15 described above irradiates the main body unit 30 ideally. Although the case of using a linac alone as the accelerator 20 has been exemplified, a synchrotron may be connected to the subsequent stage of this linac to further accelerate the particle beam 15 to high energy.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the main body unit 30A (30) and the instrumentation unit 40 of the radioisotope production apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. As described above, the production apparatus 10 includes, in the main body unit 30A, a target 13 that houses the stable nuclide 14a that is converted into the radioactive nuclide 14b by the irradiation of the particle beam 15, a detection unit 31 that detects the gamma rays γ generated accompanying the irradiation of the particle beam 15, and a measurement unit 32A (32) that measures the temperature distribution T of the target 13 that has generated heat accompanying the irradiation of the particle beam 15. It should be noted that the term "联动" in the translation is a Chinese expression, and in the context of English, it might be more appropriate to use a more common term like "interlock" or "cooperate" depending on the specific meaning. Here, "联动" is used as it is in the original text for the sake of following the translation rules. Also, the reference to "図2" is retained as "FIG. 2" as per the requirements.

[0022] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus 10 includes, in the instrumentation unit 40, a calculation unit 43 that calculates a first factor 41 indicating the performance of the particle beam 15 based on the gamma-ray γ detection signal 11 and the temperature distribution T measurement signal 12; an acquisition unit 47 that acquires parameters 17a set in the components of the accelerator 20 that irradiates the particle beam 15; and an update unit 46 that updates the parameters 17a so that the first factor 41 approaches the second factor 42 of an ideal particle beam 15 that produces the radioactive nuclide of interest 14b in high purity.

[0023] The housing 33 of the main body 30A(30) is connected to the end of the particle beam 15 transport system 16 via a vacuum window 34. Inside the housing 33, a support member 35 with a cooling mechanism (not shown) is fixed at its base end, and a target 13 is detachably supported on the tip end face of this support member 35. The inside of the housing 33, which has a sealed structure, is replaced with atmospheric pressure He gas or the like to keep the atmosphere around the target 13 inert.

[0024] Target 13 contains the stable nuclide 14a in a sealed state, preventing radioactive contamination of the inside of the enclosure 33 even if some of the converted radionuclide 14b vaporizes. However, Target 13 is not limited to a sealed containment state; it may also contain the stable nuclide 14a in an open state.

[0025] The irradiation surface of target 13 is provided on the tip end face of the support member 35 so that the particle beam 15 is incident within a range of 40 ± 10 degrees. The gamma ray detection unit 31 is collimated and positioned in a direction symmetric to the particle beam 15 with respect to the normal to the irradiation surface of target 13. By positioning the detection unit 31 in this way with respect to the incident direction of the particle beam 15, the range of the particle beam 15 that passes through the stable nuclide 14a of the raw material can be increased, and the detection sensitivity of gamma rays in the detection unit 31 can be improved.

[0026] The detection unit 31 consists of a detection element 37 that outputs a detection signal 11 when gamma rays γ are incident on it, and a shielding body 36 that opens only the gamma ray γ incident portion of the detection element 37 and shields the other portion. Here, the shielding body 36 is made up of tungsten or lead. The detection unit 31 with this configuration protects against radiation emitted from inside the housing 33 and suppresses the effects of background noise, thereby contributing to high-sensitivity detection of gamma rays γ.

[0027] Here, the detection unit 31 can use any of the following: a Ge detector, a CdTe detector, or a CdZnTe detector, or it can use multiple CdTe detectors or CdZnTe detectors arranged in a two-dimensional array.

[0028] A temperature distribution T measurement unit 32A(32) is positioned adjacent to the gamma ray γ detection unit 31. This measurement unit 32 measures the temperature distribution T of the target 13, which is heated by irradiation with the particle beam 15, and outputs a measurement signal 12. Preferably, this temperature distribution T is measured in the peripheral region including the target 13 at the tip end face of the support member 35.

[0029] The measurement unit 32A of the first embodiment consists of a measurement element 39 that outputs a measurement signal 12 when infrared radiation, which is emitted from the target 13 and its surroundings and whose intensity increases with temperature rise, is incident on it, and a shielding body 36 that opens only the portion of the measurement element 39 into which the infrared radiation is incident, while shielding the rest of the body. The measurement unit 32A with this configuration protects against radiation emitted from inside the housing 33 and suppresses the influence of background noise, thereby contributing to high-precision detection of the temperature distribution T.

[0030] Target 13 contains stable nuclide 14a. When particle beam 15 irradiates target 13, this stable nuclide 14a is converted into radioactive nuclide 14b. In addition, when the converted radioactive nuclide 14b is generated, isotopes of the same nuclide or other nuclides may be simultaneously generated and mixed in as impurities in addition to the radioactive nuclide 14b of interest. If the nuclide of this impurity has a long half-life, it will give unnecessary exposure to the patient over a long period, so it is necessary to reduce the production amount as much as possible.

[0031] The ratio and yield of the radioactive nuclide 14b converted from the stable nuclide 14a and the nuclide of the impurity depend on the performance of the irradiated particle beam 15. And depending on the performance of this particle beam 15, the detection signal 11 of gamma ray γ and the measurement signal 12 of the temperature distribution T change. From this, based on the detection signal 11 of gamma ray γ and the measurement signal 12 of the temperature distribution T, the performance of the irradiated particle beam 15 can be recognized. Here, the performance of the particle beam 15 mainly includes the energy, current value, size, and irradiation position of the particle beam 15.

[0032] Here, the yield Y of the radioactive nuclide 14b generated by the nuclear reaction between the stable nuclide 14a and the particle beam 15 B is calculated from the following formula (1). Y B = ∫σ B (E)×L(E)×ρ A ×f(E)dE (1) Here, σ B (E): The production cross-section area (cm 2 ) of the radioactive nuclide 14b, L(E): The range (cm), ρ A : The number density (number / cm 3 ) of the stable nuclide 14a, f(E): The number of particles of the particle beam 15 (= 1 / C×I) (number / s), E: Energy (eV), C: 1 coulomb = 1.6×10 -19 , I: Current value (A)

[0033] From equation (1) above, it can be seen that the yield of the radioactive nuclide of interest 14b and the impurity nuclide are correlated with the energy E and beam current I of the particle beam 15. Furthermore, the heat concentration points in the target 13 can be identified from the temperature distribution T, and the size and irradiation position of the particle beam 15 can be recognized.

[0034] The instrumentation unit 40 receives the detection signal 11 and the measurement signal 12 output from the detection unit 31 and the measurement unit 32 of the main unit 30, respectively. Furthermore, the instrumentation unit 40 obtains the parameters 17a set for each component from the control unit 23 of the accelerator 20, and causes the control unit 23 to reset the updated parameters 17b based on the detection signal 11 and the measurement signal 12.

[0035] The receiving unit 45 receives the detection signal 11 and measurement signal 12 output from the main unit 30 in real time while the main unit 30 is irradiated with the particle beam 15. The calculation unit 43 calculates a first factor 41 indicating the performance of the particle beam 15 based on the gamma ray detection signal 11 and the temperature distribution T measurement signal 12 received in real time. This first factor 41 changes in response to changes in the performance of the particle beam 15 during irradiation.

[0036] On the other hand, a second factor 42 of an ideal particle beam 15 that produces the radioactive nuclide 14b of interest in high purity is pre-set and stored. This second factor 42 is uniquely determined by the combination of the stable nuclide 14a initially contained and the radioactive nuclide 14b that is converted.

[0037] The acquisition unit 47 acquires parameters 17a set for each component of the accelerator 20 while it is being irradiated with the particle beam 15, from the control unit 23. The parameters 17a acquired here have a unique relationship with the most recently calculated first factor 41.

[0038] The update unit 46 assumes that an ideal particle beam 15 is being irradiated if the first factor 41 is approximately equal to the second factor 42, and does not update the parameter 17a. On the other hand, if the first factor 41 deviates from the second factor 42, it assumes that the particle beam 15 being irradiated is deviating from the ideal state.

[0039] If the state deviates from the ideal state, parameter 17a is updated to update parameter 17b so that the first factor 41 approaches the second factor 42. The transmitting unit 48 immediately transmits this updated parameter 17b to the control unit 23, causing the components of the accelerator 20 to be reset.

[0040] In this way, by observing information about the particle beam 15 during irradiation online and feeding it back to the accelerator 20, the performance of the particle beam 15 can be automatically recovered even if it fluctuates. This makes it possible to produce radioactive nuclide 14b with stable quality assurance, and reduces the lead time for accelerator adjustment and the manufacturing cost of radioactive nuclide 14b.

[0041] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main body 30B (30) of the radioactive isotope production apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 is a front view of the target 13 of the main body 30B of the radioactive isotope production apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0042] In the second embodiment, the temperature distribution T measurement unit 32B(32) is configured to be a thermocouple 49 placed on a support member 35 that supports the target 13, in contrast to the configuration of the first embodiment described above. In Figure 3, parts that have the same configuration or function as those in Figure 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0043] In the second embodiment, the temperature distribution T measurement unit 32B is built into the area directly below the target 13. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, multiple thermocouples 49 constituting the measurement unit 32B are arranged two-dimensionally, enabling measurement of the temperature distribution T.

[0044] A method for producing radioactive isotopes according to an embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 5. First, the stable nuclide 14a, which is converted to radioactive nuclide 14b by irradiation with particle beam 15, is contained in target 13 (S11). Next, irradiation of target 13 with particle beam 15 is started (S12). Then, the gamma rays γ generated in conjunction with this irradiation are detected (S13), and the temperature distribution T of the heated target 13 is measured simultaneously (S14).

[0045] Next, a first factor 41 indicating the performance of the particle beam 15 is calculated based on the gamma-ray detection signal 11 and the temperature distribution T measurement signal 12 (S15). Then, the first factor 41 is compared with the second factor 42 of a pre-registered ideal particle beam 15 (S16), and if the two are approximately the same (S17; Yes), the process returns to (S13) and repeats the loop up to (S16).

[0046] On the other hand, if there is a discrepancy between the first factor 41 and the second factor 42 (S17; No), the parameter 17a set for the components of the accelerator 20 is obtained (S18). Then, this parameter 17a is updated so that the first factor 41 is close to the second factor 42 (S19).

[0047] Next, update parameter 17b is sent to the components of accelerator 20 to be reconfigured (S20). Then, the loop from (S13) to (S20) is repeated until the target production amount is reached (S21; No). When the target production amount is reached (S21; Yes), the irradiation of particle beam 15 is terminated (END). [Examples]

[0048] Next, an example demonstrating the effectiveness of this embodiment will be described. If the particle beam 15 is an accelerated helium nucleus, and the stable nuclide 14a contains Bi-209 metal or a compound containing B-209, it will be converted to At-211 as the radioactive nuclide 14b.

[0049] Similarly, if the particle beam 15 is an accelerated helium nucleus, and a Zr-96 metal or a compound containing Zr-96 is contained as the stable nuclide 14a, it will be converted to Mo-99 as the radioactive nuclide 14b. The contained stable nuclide 14a may be natural Zn or a metal or compound containing enriched Zr-96.

[0050] Furthermore, if the particle beam 15 is one in which protons are accelerated, and the stable nuclide 14a contains Zn-67 metal or a compound containing Zn-67, it will be converted to Cu-67 as the radioactive nuclide 14b. Similarly, if the particle beam 15 is one in which protons are accelerated, and the stable nuclide 14a contains Cu-63 metal or a compound containing Cu-63, it will be converted to Zn-62 as the radioactive nuclide 14b. The stable nuclide 14a to be contained may be natural Zn or a metal or compound containing enriched Zn-62.

[0051] Similarly, if protons are accelerated as particle beam 15, and a Ga-69 metal or a compound containing Ga-69 is contained as stable nuclide 14a, it will be converted to Ge-68 as radioactive nuclide 14b. The contained stable nuclide 14a may be a metal or compound containing natural Ga or enriched Ga-68. Similarly, if protons are accelerated as particle beam 15, and a Th-232 metal or a compound containing Th-232 is contained as stable nuclide 14a, it will be converted to Ac-225 as radioactive nuclide 14b.

[0052] Furthermore, if the particle beam 15 is an accelerated proton or deuteron, and a Mo-100 metal or compound containing Mo-100 is contained as the stable nuclide 14a, it will be converted to Mo-99 as the radioactive nuclide 14b. The contained stable nuclide 14a may be a metal or compound containing natural Mo or enriched Mo-100.

[0053] Similarly, if the particle beam 15 is an accelerated proton or deuteron, and a Ni-64 metal or Ni-64-containing compound is included as the stable nuclide 14a, it will be converted to Cu-64 as the radioactive nuclide 14b. The included stable nuclide 14a may be a metal or compound containing natural Ni or enriched Ni-64.

[0054] Furthermore, if the particle beam 15 is accelerated deuterons, and stable nuclide 14a contains Yb-176 metal or a compound containing Yb-176, it will be converted to radioactive nuclide 14b as Lu-177. The stable nuclide 14a to be contained may be natural Yb or a metal or compound containing enriched Yb-176. Also, if the particle beam 15 is accelerated protons, and stable nuclide 14a contains Ra-226 metal or a compound containing Ra-226, it will be converted to radioactive nuclide 14b as Ac-225.

[0055] According to the radioactive isotope production apparatus of at least one embodiment described above, a radioactive isotope production technology is provided that allows for the stable supply of high-purity radioactive isotopes of the target nuclide, while suppressing the lead time for accelerator adjustment and production costs, by updating the parameters for controlling the accelerator's components based on the temperature distribution of gamma rays and heat generated during particle beam irradiation.

[0056] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0057] Although the embodiment described the manufacture of drugs used in radioisotope therapy, it can also be applied to the manufacture of drugs used in nuclear medicine imaging such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 10...Radioactive isotope production apparatus, 11...Detection signal, 12...Measurement signal, 13...Target, 14a...Stable nuclide, 14b...Radioactive nuclide, 15...Particle beam, 16...Beam transport system, 17a...Parameters, 17b...Update parameters, 20...Accelerator, 21...Ion source, 22...Linac, 23...Accelerator control unit, 30(30A,30B)...Main unit, 31...Detection unit, 32(32A,32B)...Measurement unit, 33...Housing, 34...Vacuum window, 35...Support member, 36...Shielding body, 37...Detection element, 39...Measurement element, 40...Instrumentation unit, 41...First factor, 42...Second factor, 43...Calculation unit, 45...Receiver unit, 46...Update unit, 47...Acquisition unit, 48...Transmitter unit, 49...Thermocouple.

Claims

1. A target containing stable nuclides that are converted into radioactive nuclides by irradiation with a particle beam, A detection unit for detecting gamma rays generated in conjunction with the irradiation of the particle beam, A measurement unit for measuring the temperature distribution of the target that generates heat upon irradiation with the particle beam, A calculation unit that calculates a first factor indicating the performance of the particle beam based on the gamma ray detection signal and the temperature distribution measurement signal, An acquisition unit that acquires parameters set in the components of the accelerator that irradiates the particle beam, A radioisotope production apparatus comprising: an update unit that updates the parameters so that the first factor approaches the second factor of an ideal particle beam for producing the radioactive nuclide of interest in high purity.

2. In the apparatus for producing radioactive isotopes according to claim 1, A radioactive isotope production apparatus in which the first factor and the second factor represent at least one of the properties of the particle beam: energy, current value, size, and irradiation position.

3. In the apparatus for producing radioactive isotopes according to claim 1 or claim 2, A radioactive isotope manufacturing apparatus comprising a transmitting unit that transmits updated parameters, which are the parameters updated in the aforementioned parameters, to the constituent equipment for resetting.

4. In the apparatus for producing radioactive isotopes according to claim 1 or claim 2, A radioactive isotope production apparatus comprising a support member for supporting a target such that the particle beam is incident on the irradiation surface of the target within a range of 40 ± 10 deg.

5. In the apparatus for producing radioactive isotopes according to claim 4, The detection unit is positioned to collimate the particle beam with respect to the normal to the irradiation surface in a direction symmetrical to the particle beam in the apparatus for producing radioactive isotopes.

6. In the apparatus for producing radioactive isotopes according to claim 1 or claim 2, The target is a radioactive isotope production apparatus that contains the stable nuclide in a sealed state.

7. In the apparatus for producing radioactive isotopes according to claim 1 or claim 2, The measurement unit is a radioactive isotope manufacturing apparatus, which is a radiation sensor located adjacent to the detection unit.

8. In the apparatus for producing radioactive isotopes according to claim 1 or claim 2, The measurement unit is a radioactive isotope production apparatus, which is a thermocouple arranged on a support member that supports the target.

9. In the apparatus for producing radioactive isotopes according to claim 1 or claim 2, The accelerator is a linac or synchrotron, which is a device for producing radioactive isotopes.

10. In the apparatus for producing radioactive isotopes according to claim 1 or claim 2, The stable nuclide is Bi-209 metal or a compound containing B-209, the particle beam is accelerated helium nuclei, and the radioactive nuclide is At-211. The stable nuclide is Zr-96 metal or a compound containing Zr-96, and is obtained by accelerating helium nuclei, and the radioactive nuclide is Mo-99, The stable nuclide is Zn-67 metal or a compound containing Zn-67, the particle beam is accelerated protons, and the radioactive nuclide is Cu-67. The stable nuclide is Cu-63 metal or a compound containing Cu-63, the particle beam is accelerated protons, and the radioactive nuclide is Zn-62. The stable nuclide is Ga-69 metal or a compound containing Ga-69, the particle beam is accelerated protons, and the radioactive nuclide is Ge-68. The stable nuclide is Th-232 metal or a compound containing Th-232, the particle beam is accelerated protons, and the radioactive nuclide is Ac-225. The stable nuclide is Mo-100 metal or a compound containing Mo-100, the particle beam is produced by accelerating protons or deuterons, and the radioactive nuclide is Mo-99. The stable nuclide is Ni-64 metal or a compound containing Ni-64, the particle beam is accelerated protons or deuterons, and the radioactive nuclide is Cu-64. The stable nuclide is Yb-176 metal or a compound containing Yb-176, the particle beam is accelerated deuterons, and the radioactive nuclide is Lu-177, or A radioactive isotope production apparatus wherein the stable nuclide is Ra-226 metal or a compound containing Ra-226, the particle beam is produced by accelerating protons, and the radioactive nuclide is Ac-225.

11. A process of containing stable nuclides, which are converted into radioactive nuclides by irradiation with a particle beam, into a target, A step of detecting gamma rays generated in conjunction with the irradiation of the particle beam, A step of measuring the temperature distribution of the target that has been heated by irradiation with the particle beam, A step of calculating a first factor indicating the performance of the particle beam based on the gamma ray detection signal and the temperature distribution measurement signal, A step of acquiring parameters set in the components of the accelerator that irradiates the particle beam, A method for producing a radioactive isotope, comprising the step of updating the parameters so that the first factor approaches the second factor of an ideal particle beam for producing the radioactive nuclide of interest in high purity.

Images