Radioisotope production system, radioisotope production method, target fixing method, and target

Abstract

This radioisotope production system generates a radioisotope by radiating a charged particle beam from an accelerator onto a target. This radioisotope production system radiates the charged particle beam onto a plurality of the targets during one irradiation step.

Description

Radioisotope production system, radioisotope production method, target fixing method, and target

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a radioisotope production system, a radioisotope production method, a target fixing method, and a target.

[0002] Conventionally, a target device for producing radioisotopes using a solid target has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In a target device using this type of solid target, accelerated particles are introduced from an accelerator such as a cyclotron and nuclear reacted with the elements constituting the solid target, thereby generating radioisotopes in the solid target. Then, the solid target that has undergone the nuclear reaction is recovered from the target device, and radioisotopes are obtained by performing processes such as a dry separation and purification method using the difference in boiling point and melting point, or a wet separation and purification using the difference in chemical properties after dissolving the solid target using a liquid of strong acid or strong base.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-246699

[0004] By the way, in the above-described radioisotope production system, charged particle beams are irradiated vertically to one target in one irradiation step. In vertical irradiation, there is a problem that the heat generation due to the incidence of charged particles is large and there is a limit to the irradiation current, so the amount of radioisotopes obtained in one irradiation step is small. In response to this, the target is tilted with respect to the charged particles to increase the irradiation field and increase the irradiation current. However, when the target used in one irradiation step is enlarged, there is a problem that the downstream purification device for purifying the target becomes large and it is difficult to transport, etc., and the handling of the target becomes difficult.

[0005] Therefore, an object is to provide a radioisotope production system, a radioisotope production method, a target fixing method, and a target that can increase the amount of radioisotopes obtained in one irradiation step and improve the handling property of the target.

[0006] A radioisotope production system according to one aspect of this disclosure is a radioisotope production system that produces radioisotopes by irradiating targets with charged particle beams from an accelerator, wherein the system irradiates multiple targets with charged particle beams in a single irradiation step.

[0007] This radioactive isotope production system irradiates multiple targets with charged particle beams in a single irradiation process. Therefore, compared to irradiating only one target in a single irradiation process, the amount of radioactive isotopes obtained can be increased by irradiating multiple targets with charged particle beams. In addition, compared to irradiating one large target, irradiating multiple targets allows for a more compact individual target, making handling easier during purification and transportation. As a result, the amount of radioactive isotopes obtained in a single irradiation process can be increased, and the handling of the targets can be improved.

[0008] A radioactive isotope production system comprises an irradiation unit that irradiates with charged particle beams and a holding unit that holds targets. The irradiation unit fixes the irradiation position of the charged particle beams, while the holding unit may circulate the targets relative to the irradiation position. In this case, the charged particle beams are irradiated to the portion of the circulating target that is positioned at the irradiation position. Therefore, by circulating the targets, it is possible to irradiate multiple targets. In this case, the structure can be simplified by omitting the mechanism for moving the charged particle beams on the irradiation unit side.

[0009] The holding unit may arrange targets around a rotation axis and rotate around the axis to circulate the targets. In this case, a simple mechanism that only rotates the targets can irradiate multiple targets with charged particle beams.

[0010] The irradiation axis of the irradiation unit may be positioned parallel to the rotation axis of the holding unit. Alternatively, the irradiation axis of the irradiation unit may be positioned perpendicular to the rotation axis of the holding unit. In this way, the irradiation unit can be positioned appropriately considering the overall system configuration.

[0011] The irradiation axis of the irradiation unit may be positioned so as to be inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the holding unit. In this case, the irradiation field of the charged particle beam to the target can be increased.

[0012] A radioactive isotope production system comprises an irradiation unit that irradiates the target with a charged particle beam and a holding unit that holds the target. The holding unit fixes the position of the target, while the irradiation unit may move the irradiation position of the charged particle beam along the target. In this case, the movement mechanism on the holding unit side can be omitted, simplifying the structure.

[0013] A radioactive isotope production system comprises an irradiation unit that irradiates a charged particle beam and a holding unit that holds a target. The holding unit fixes the position of the target, and the irradiation unit may amplify the charged particle beam and irradiate the target. In this case, the movement mechanism on the holding unit side can be omitted, simplifying the structure.

[0014] The target may be divided into multiple parts at the time of irradiation with charged particle beams. In this case, the step of dividing the target after irradiation can be omitted, simplifying the post-irradiation process.

[0015] The target may have cutting points where it will be divided into multiple targets after irradiation with a charged particle beam. In this case, the step of dividing the target before irradiation can be omitted, simplifying the pre-irradiation process.

[0016] A radioactive isotope production method according to one aspect of this disclosure is a radioactive isotope production method that generates a radioactive isotope by irradiating a target with a charged particle beam from an accelerator, wherein multiple targets may be irradiated with a charged particle beam in a single irradiation step.

[0017] A target fixing method according to one aspect of this disclosure is a target fixing method for generating radioactive isotopes by irradiation with a charged particle beam from an accelerator, wherein multiple targets may be fixed at the irradiation positions of the charged particle beam in a single irradiation step.

[0018] These radioactive isotope production methods and target immobilization methods can be used to obtain the same effects and benefits as the radioactive isotope production system described above.

[0019] A target used in a radioisotope production system according to one aspect of this disclosure has a non-uniform thickness so as to facilitate physical separation of the target after irradiation with a charged particle beam.

[0020] This target makes it possible to provide a target that easily produces the same effects and benefits as the radioactive isotope production system described above.

[0021] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a radioisotope production system, a radioisotope production method, a target immobilization method, and a target that can increase the amount of radioisotopes obtained in a single irradiation process and improve the handling of the target.

[0022] This is a schematic side view showing a radioactive isotope production system of an embodiment. This is a schematic front view showing a radioactive isotope production system of an embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of a holding part. This is a diagram showing an example of a holding part. This is a diagram showing an example of a holding part. This is a diagram showing an example of a holding part. This is a schematic side view showing a radioactive isotope production system according to a modified example. This is a diagram showing a method of irradiation with a charged particle beam using an irradiation unit. This is a diagram showing a method of irradiation with a charged particle beam using an irradiation unit. This is a diagram showing an example of a target substrate. This is a diagram showing an example of a target substrate. This is a diagram showing an example of a target substrate. This is a diagram showing an example of a target substrate. This is a diagram showing an example of a target substrate. This is a diagram showing an example of a target substrate.

[0023] The radioactive isotope production system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the radioactive isotope production system 100, and Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the radioactive isotope production system 100. As shown in the figures, the radioactive isotope production system 100 is a system that produces radioactive isotopes by irradiating a target 10 with a charged particle beam B from an accelerator 200. The radioactive isotope production system 100 comprises an irradiation unit 1, an irradiation container 2, and a holding unit 3.

[0024] The irradiation unit 1 irradiates the target 10 with a charged particle beam B. The irradiation unit 1 irradiates the charged particle beam B along the irradiation axis CL1. The irradiation unit 1 comprises a beamline 4 and a beam window 6. The beamline 4 is a line that guides the charged particle beam B along the irradiation axis CL1 and is a member that connects the accelerator 200 and the irradiation vessel 2. In this embodiment, the irradiation unit 1 fixes the irradiation position of the charged particle beam B at the position of the irradiation axis CL1. The beam window 6 is a member that guides the charged particle beam B into the irradiation vessel 2. The beam window 6 may be equipped with a degrader that adjusts the energy of the charged particle beam B. The irradiation vessel 2 is a container that houses the target 10. The irradiation vessel 2 is a container that maintains a vacuum inside so that no activated gas is generated. Alternatively, the inside of the irradiation vessel 2 may be filled with a gas that is less likely to become activated.

[0025] The holding unit 3 is a mechanism for holding the target 10. The holding unit 3 is a mechanism for circulating movement of the target 10 relative to the irradiation axis CL1, which is the irradiation position. The holding unit 3 positions the target 10 around the rotation axis CL2 and circulates movement of the target 10 by rotating around the rotation axis CL2. The irradiation axis CL1 of the irradiation unit 1 is positioned parallel to the rotation axis CL2 of the holding unit 3. In the example shown in Figure 1, the rotation axis CL2 is positioned at a position separated downward from the irradiation axis CL1. Specifically, the holding unit 3 comprises a holding member 13, an axis member 14, a drive mechanism 16, and a cooling mechanism 17.

[0026] The holding member 13 is a disc-shaped member centered on the rotation axis CL2. The holding member 13 can hold the target 10 at its outer peripheral edge. In this embodiment, the target 10 is divided into multiple parts when the irradiation unit 1 irradiates it. As shown in Figure 2, the holding member 13 holds the multiple divided targets 10. Each target 10 is constructed by forming a metal layer or a compound such as an oxide on the surface of a rectangular substrate 11, which serves as the target material. As the target material, elements such as Ni, Y, Zn, Bi, Te or compounds thereof may be used. The multiple substrates 11 are arranged around the holding member 13 in the rotation direction RD. Each substrate 11 is arranged such that it is covered by other substrates 11 near its downstream end in the rotation direction RD, while the target 10 is exposed near its upstream end in the rotation direction RD. The targets 10 are arranged to be inclined with respect to other targets 10. With this configuration, the holding member 13 can hold the multiple targets 10, which are divided into separate members.

[0027] The beam window 6, which is the irradiation position, is set at one location in the rotation direction RD, and is configured to irradiate one target 10 with the charged particle beam B. The holding member 13 rotates in the rotation direction RD, causing each target 10 to rotate and switching the target 10 positioned at the beam window 6. On the substrate 11, the target 10 is formed to extend to both ends in the rotation direction RD. As a result, at the position of the beam window 6, the charged particle beam B is not irradiated onto the substrate 11, but always onto one of the targets 10. A shielding plate 18 may be placed at a position opposite the beam window 6 and the target 10 to prevent the charged particle beam B from passing through to the rear (see Figure 1).

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the shaft member 14 is the shaft member for which the holding member 13 rotates. The shaft member 14 extends from the holding member 13 toward the rear along the rotation axis CL2. The drive mechanism 16 is connected to support the shaft member 14 and provides a driving force to the shaft member 14 for rotation. The cooling mechanism 17 cools the target 10 by supplying a cooling medium. The cooling mechanism 17 has piping for supplying the cooling medium. This piping is arranged to extend from the inside of the shaft member 14 to the holding member 13. A flow path is formed on the back side of the holding member 13 to supply the cooling medium to the outer edge. Furthermore, a flow path for circulating the cooling medium may be provided on the back side of the substrate 11. In this way, the cooling mechanism 17 cools multiple targets 10.

[0029] The operation procedure of the radioactive isotope production system 100 will now be described. First, prior to irradiation by the irradiation unit 1, the substrates 11 of the multiple targets 10 are attached to the holding member of the holding unit 3. Next, the holding member 13 is rotated at a constant speed. Then, the irradiation unit 1 irradiates with a charged particle beam B. The charged particle beam B is irradiated onto the targets 10 positioned opposite the beam window 6. At this time, the multiple targets 10 are circulating by rotating at a constant speed around the rotation axis CL2. Therefore, the charged particle beam B is irradiated onto the multiple targets 10 in such a way that it traces an irradiation trajectory BT (see the dashed line in Figure 2). The irradiation time of the charged particle beam B for each target 10 can be adjusted by the rotation speed of the target 10, the number of rotations, etc. Once irradiation by the irradiation unit 1 is complete, the charged particle beam B is stopped and the rotation of the holding member 13 is stopped. The substrates of each target 10 are removed from the holding member 13. After irradiation, each substrate 11 of the target 10 is placed in a purification apparatus (not shown) to extract radioactive isotopes.

[0030] As described above, the radioactive isotope production system 100 can irradiate multiple targets 10 with charged particle beam B in a single irradiation process. A "single irradiation process" refers to the process from attaching the targets 10 to the holding member 13 to removing the targets 10 from the holding member 13 after irradiation. Alternatively, a "single irradiation process" may be considered to include the period from when the irradiation unit 1 starts irradiating with charged particle beam B while the targets 10 are fixed to the holding member 13, to when the irradiation is continued continuously and stopped. Continuous irradiation includes irradiation with very short ON / OFF cycles, such as pulsed irradiation. Each target 10 refers to one that is physically separated from other targets 10 and is set to a size suitable for placement in the purification apparatus. In this embodiment, each target 10 is formed on a single piece of substrate 11 during irradiation. Therefore, after irradiation, individual targets 10 can be transported to the purification apparatus without the need to cut the targets 10 or substrate 11.

[0031] Furthermore, the irradiated target 10 may be delivered directly to the recipient of the radioactive isotope and purified there, or it may be purified using the manufacturer's equipment. The method for recovering the radioactive isotope from the irradiated target 10 is not limited; a method suitable for the element, such as dry purification or wet purification, can be used. Various suitable aqueous solutions or organic solvents may also be used as the recovery solvent after purification.

[0032] There are no particular limitations on how the targets 10 are arranged relative to the holding member 13. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the holding member 13 may hold the targets 10 by attaching the substrate 11 of the targets 10 to its surface 13a. Multiple targets 10 are arranged in the plane of the surface 13a so as to surround the rotation axis CL2. As a result, the targets 10 are arranged so as to spread out parallel to the surface 13a within the plane of the surface 13a. Although only a portion of the targets 10 are shown in Figure 3, the targets 10 may be arranged without gaps as shown in Figure 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the holding member 13 may hold the substrate 11 of the target 10, as shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the holding member 13 may hold the substrate 11 of the target 10 in an upright position on the surface 13a. The target 10 is arranged to spread out in a direction perpendicular to the surface 13a. Also, the surface of the substrate 11 on which the target 10 is formed faces outward. The irradiation axis CL1 of the irradiation unit 1 is arranged to be perpendicular to the rotation axis CL2 of the holding unit 3. As shown in Figure 4(a), the irradiation axis CL1 extends across the holding member 13 at a position spaced outward from the rotation axis CL2. As shown in Figure 4(b), the irradiation axis CL1 is set at a position spaced outward from the surface 13a of the holding member 13. Note that although only a portion of the targets 10 are shown in Figure 4, the targets 10 may be arranged without gaps as shown in Figure 2.

[0034] Furthermore, the holding member 13 may hold the substrate 11 of the target 10, as shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the holding member 13 may hold the substrate 11 of the target 10 so as to extend outward from the outer peripheral edge of the holding member 13. The target 10 is arranged to spread out in a direction perpendicular to the surface 13a. The irradiation axis CL1 of the irradiation unit 1 is arranged to be perpendicular to the rotation axis CL2 of the holding unit 3. The irradiation axis CL1 extends across the holding member 13 at a position spaced outward from the rotation axis CL2.

[0035] Furthermore, the holding unit 3 is not limited to the form using the disc-shaped holding member 13 as described above. For example, as shown in Figure 6, it may have a belt conveyor type mechanism. The holding unit 3 comprises an endless belt 23 and drive units 24A and 24B. The drive units 24A and 24B are positioned spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The belt 23 is arranged to be stretched across the drive units 24A and 24B. As a result, the belt 23 is arranged to have an oval shape. The substrate 11 of each target 10 is fixed to the outer circumference of the belt 23. The drive units 24A and 24B apply driving force to the belt 23 by rotating around the rotation axes CL2A and CL2B. The targets 10 are arranged to spread out perpendicular to the rotation axes CL2A and CL2B. Therefore, the irradiation axis CL1 of the irradiation unit 1 is arranged parallel to the rotation axes CL2A and CL2B. However, the orientation of the target 10 is not particularly limited and may be arranged in the orientation shown in Figure 5.

[0036] Furthermore, the movement of target 10 does not have to follow a circular or oval trajectory as described above; it can follow any trajectory as long as it moves at a constant speed. For example, the target may move along a one-dimensional trajectory or a rectangular trajectory.

[0037] In the embodiments and modifications described above, the irradiation axis of the irradiation unit 1 was parallel to or perpendicular to the rotation axis of the holding unit 3. However, the irradiation axis CL1 of the irradiation unit 1 may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the holding unit 3 (for example, as shown in Figure 7, which will be described later). In this case, the irradiation field of the charged particle beam to the target can be increased.

[0038] In the embodiments and modifications described above, the irradiation position of the charged particle beam B was fixed, and the target 10 was circulated relative to the irradiation position, thereby irradiating multiple targets 10 with the charged particle beam B in a single irradiation process. Alternatively, the holding unit 3 may fix the position of the target 10 and irradiate multiple targets 10 with the charged particle beam B in a single irradiation process.

[0039] Specifically, a target substrate 61 as shown in Figure 8 may be used. The target substrate 61 has a long shape in the longitudinal direction. The target substrate 61 also has a plurality of targets 10 arranged in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 7, in the radioactive isotope production system 100, the holding unit 3 holds the target substrate 61 in a fixed position. As a result, the targets 10 remain immobile. The irradiation unit 1 irradiates the fixed targets 10 with a charged particle beam B. The targets 10 may be positioned at an angle (approximately 4 to 60°) with respect to the irradiation axis CL1.

[0040] As shown in Figures 8(a) and 9(a), the irradiation unit 1 may move the irradiation position of the charged particle beam B along the target 10. In this case, the irradiation unit 1 moves the charged particle beam B to trace an irradiation trajectory BT so that the charged particle beam B irradiates multiple targets 10. This method is called the wobbling method or scanning method. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 8(b) and 9(b), the irradiation unit 1 may enlarge the charged particle beam B and irradiate the target 10. In this case, the irradiation unit 1 enlarges the charged particle beam B so that the irradiation range of the charged particle beam B includes multiple targets 10 together. As shown in Figure 9(b), the irradiation unit 1 enlarges and emits the charged particle beam B, and the collimator 15 cuts off the ends. As a result, the irradiation unit 1 irradiates the target 10 with the irradiation range of the charged particle beam B in the desired shape and size. In subsequent modifications, either the method of moving the charged particle beam B or the method of expanding it without moving it may be adopted.

[0041] Next, the target substrate 61 will be described in more detail. The target substrate 61 shown in Figure 10 may be used. The target 10 has cutting positions 63 where it will be divided into multiple targets 10 after irradiation by the irradiation unit 1. Therefore, during irradiation, the target 10 is not divided into multiple targets 10. As shown in Figure 10, it has a plurality of base portions 62 arranged in the longitudinal direction. Cutting positions 63 are set between adjacent base portions 62. Notches are formed at the cutting positions 63. A metal layer of the target 10 is formed on the upper surface of the base portion 62. As a result, multiple targets 10 before division are formed in one target substrate 61. After irradiation, the base portions 62 are cut at the cutting positions 63. As a result, as shown in Figure 11, each target 10 can be treated as an individual piece separated from each other. Note that if each target 10 can be easily cut, the notches at the cutting positions 63 may be shallow or there may be no notches at all.

[0042] As shown in Figure 10, the target 10 used in the radioactive isotope production system 100 according to this embodiment has a non-uniform thickness so that the target 10 can be easily physically divided after irradiation with a charged particle beam. Before cutting, the target 10 has a non-uniform thickness due to the formation of cuts in the target substrate 61. This makes it easier to cut at the cut locations and to physically divide the target 10.

[0043] As shown in Figure 12(a), when the sealing surface 65 of the cooling surface of the target substrate 61 is secured near the outer edge, it may be difficult to provide the cuts at the planned cutting positions 63 near the outer edge. In this case, the planned cutting positions 63 do not need to extend to the long side of the target substrate 61. In this case, planned cutting positions 64 extending in the longitudinal direction may be set at both ends of the planned cutting positions 63. As a result, the entire areas of the planned cutting positions 63 and 64 are placed in the region on the inner side of the sealing surface 65. Each target 10 is cooled by supplying a cooling medium to the region on the back surface of the target substrate 61 that is on the inner side of the sealing surface 65. When cutting the target substrate 61 at the planned cutting positions 63 and 64, a special tool 66 as shown in Figure 12(b) may be used. The special tool 66 has a base portion 66a and a plurality of blade portions 66b. The blade portions 66b are provided at positions corresponding to the planned cutting positions 63. Although not shown in Figure 12(b), the special tool 66 has a blade portion 66b that cuts the planned cutting position 64 which extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] In the example shown in FIGS. 11 to 12, an example in which the target 10 is divided into a plurality after irradiation has been described. Instead of this, in the long target substrate 61, a form in which the target 10 is divided into a plurality at the time when the irradiation unit 1 irradiates may be adopted. For example, the target substrate 61 shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 may be adopted. As shown in FIG. 13, the target substrate 61 has a plurality of pedestal portions 62 that are divided in advance. The pedestal portion 62 has a quadrangular pyramid shape and has the target 10 on the upper surface. As shown in FIG. 14, the target substrate 61 has cover members 71 and 72. The upper cover member 71 has a groove portion 73 that houses the pedestal portion 62. The groove portion 73 penetrates in the vertical direction. The lower cover member 72 supports the pedestal portion 62 from below. The lower cover member 72 has a through hole 74 for cooling. As shown in FIG. 15, each pedestal portion 62 is housed in the groove portion 73 of the upper cover member 71, and the upper cover member 71 in this state is fixed to the lower cover member 72 by screwing or the like. On the upper surface of the upper cover member 71, the target 10 is exposed. When the irradiation of the charged particle beam B is completed, each pedestal portion 62 is taken out from the cover members 71 and 72. Thereby, the divided target 10 can be obtained without performing cutting or the like.

[0045] The target substrate 61 shown in FIG. 16 may be adopted. The target substrate 61 has a plurality of piece-shaped substrates 76 that are individually divided. The target 10 is formed on the surface of each substrate 76. The substrates 76 of the plurality of targets 10 are fixed by a fixing member 77 in a state of being arranged in a row. One edge portion and the other edge portion of the arranged substrates 76 are fixed by the fixing member 77. Note that a sealing surface 65 is formed one by one on the back surface of each substrate 76. Thereby, each target 10 is cooled individually.

[0046] Next, the operations and effects of the radioisotope production system 100, the radioisotope production method, and the target fixing method according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0047] According to the radioactive isotope production system 100, in one irradiation step, the charged particle beam B is irradiated onto a plurality of targets 10. Therefore, compared with the case where only one target 10 is irradiated in one irradiation step, by irradiating the plurality of targets 10 with the charged particle beam B, the radioactive isotopes obtained can be increased. For example, compared with the case of irradiating only one sheet of the target 10 shown in FIG. 2, irradiating a plurality of targets 10 increases the amount of radioactive isotopes obtained due to the effect of the increased irradiation current. Also, compared with the case of irradiating one large target, irradiating a plurality of targets can make each target more compact and easier to handle in purification, transportation, etc. For example, when handling the target substrate shown in FIG. 10 as it is without cutting it, a purification device adapted to the size of the target substrate is required, and the purification device becomes larger. Also, when transporting, a large target substrate has to be transported. On the other hand, by using small individual target pieces like the targets 10 in FIGS. 2 and 11, the handling during transportation becomes easier, and the purification device can be made smaller. From the above, it is possible to increase the amount of radioactive isotopes obtained in one irradiation step and improve the handling property of the target 10.

[0048] The radioactive isotope production system 100 includes an irradiation unit 1 that irradiates the charged particle beam B and a holding unit 3 that holds the target 10. The irradiation unit 1 fixes the irradiation position of the charged particle beam B, and the holding unit 3 may circulate and move the target 10 with respect to the irradiation position. In this case, among the circulating and moving targets 10, the charged particle beam B is irradiated onto the portion arranged at the irradiation position. Therefore, by circulating and moving the target 10, it becomes possible to irradiate a plurality of targets 10. In this case, a movement mechanism of the charged particle beam B on the irradiation unit 1 side and the like can be omitted, and the structure can be simplified.

[0049] The holding unit 3 may arrange the targets 10 around the rotation axis CL2 and rotate around the rotation axis CL2 to circulate the targets 10. In this case, multiple targets 10 can be irradiated with charged particle beam B using a simple mechanism that only rotates the targets 10.

[0050] The irradiation axis CL1 of the irradiation unit 1 may be positioned parallel to the rotation axis CL2 of the holding unit 3. Alternatively, the irradiation axis CL1 of the irradiation unit 1 may be positioned perpendicular to the rotation axis CL2 of the holding unit 3. In this way, the irradiation unit 1 can be positioned appropriately considering the overall system configuration.

[0051] The radioactive isotope production system 100 comprises an irradiation unit 1 that irradiates with a charged particle beam B, and a holding unit 3 that holds a target 10. The holding unit 3 fixes the position of the target 10, and the irradiation unit 1 may move the irradiation position of the charged particle beam B along the target 10. In this case, the movement mechanism on the holding unit 3 side can be omitted, and the structure can be simplified.

[0052] The radioactive isotope production system 100 comprises an irradiation unit 1 that irradiates with a charged particle beam B, and a holding unit 3 that holds a target 10. The holding unit 3 fixes the position of the target 10, and the irradiation unit 1 may amplify the charged particle beam B and irradiate the target 10. In this case, the movement mechanism on the holding unit 3 side can be omitted, and the structure can be simplified.

[0053] The target 10 may be divided into multiple parts at the time the irradiation unit 1 irradiates it. In this case, the step of dividing the target 10 after irradiation can be omitted, simplifying the post-irradiation process.

[0054] The target 10 may have cutting positions 63 that divide it into multiple targets 10 after irradiation by the irradiation unit 1. In this case, the step of dividing the target 10 before irradiation can be omitted, simplifying the pre-irradiation process.

[0055] The radioactive isotope production method according to this embodiment is a method for producing radioactive isotopes by irradiating a target 10 with a charged particle beam B from an accelerator 200, and in a single irradiation step, multiple targets 10 may be irradiated with the charged particle beam B.

[0056] The target fixing method according to this embodiment is a method for fixing a target 10 that generates radioactive isotopes by irradiating it with a charged particle beam B from an accelerator 200, and in a single irradiation step, a plurality of targets 10 may be fixed at the irradiation position of the charged particle beam B.

[0057] These radioactive isotope production methods and target immobilization methods can be used to obtain the same effects and benefits as the radioactive isotope production system 100 described above.

[0058] The target 10 used in the radioactive isotope production system 100 according to this embodiment has a non-uniform thickness so that the target 10 can be easily physically separated after irradiation with a charged particle beam. With this target 10, it is possible to provide a target 10 that can easily obtain the same effects and functions as the radioactive isotope production system 100 described above.

[0059] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0060] The configurations of the irradiation unit, holding unit, target substrate, etc., in each of the embodiments described above are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0061] The irradiation position of charged particle beam B and the target may both be moved.

[0062] 1...Irradiation unit, 3...Holding unit, 10...Target, 63...Planned cutting position, 100...Radioactive isotope production system.

Claims

1. A radioisotope production system for producing radioisotopes by irradiating targets with charged particle beams from an accelerator, wherein the radioisotope production system irradiates multiple targets with the charged particle beams in a single irradiation step.

2. A radioactive isotope production system according to claim 1, comprising: an irradiation unit for irradiating with the charged particle beam; and a holding unit for holding the target, wherein the irradiation unit fixes the irradiation position of the charged particle beam, and the holding unit circulates the target relative to the irradiation position.

3. The radioactive isotope production system according to claim 2, wherein the holding unit arranges the target around a rotation axis and rotates the holding unit to circulate the target.

4. The radioactive isotope production system according to claim 3, wherein the irradiation axis of the irradiation unit is arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the holding unit.

5. The radioactive isotope production system according to claim 3, wherein the irradiation axis of the irradiation unit is arranged to be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the holding unit.

6. The radioactive isotope production system according to claim 3, wherein the irradiation axis of the irradiation unit is arranged to be inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the holding unit.

7. A radioactive isotope production system according to claim 1, comprising: an irradiation unit for irradiating the charged particle beam; and a holding unit for holding the target, wherein the holding unit fixes the position of the target, and the irradiation unit moves the irradiation position of the charged particle beam along the target.

8. A radioactive isotope production system according to claim 1, comprising: an irradiation unit for irradiating the charged particle beam; and a holding unit for holding the target, wherein the holding unit fixes the position of the target; and the irradiation unit amplifies the charged particle beam and irradiates the target.

9. The radioactive isotope production system according to claim 1, wherein the target is divided into multiple parts at the time of irradiation with the charged particle beam.

10. The radioisotope production system according to claim 1, wherein the target has cutting positions for dividing it into a plurality of targets after irradiation with the charged particle beam.

11. A method for producing radioactive isotopes by irradiating targets with charged particle beams from an accelerator, wherein the method involves irradiating multiple targets with the charged particle beams in a single irradiation step.

12. A method for fixing targets for generating radioactive isotopes by irradiating them with charged particle beams from an accelerator, wherein a plurality of the targets are fixed at the irradiation positions of the charged particle beams in a single irradiation step.

13. A target for use in a radioisotope production system, having a non-uniform thickness to facilitate physical separation of the target after irradiation with a charged particle beam.

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