Solid target irradiation at the cyclotron Cyclone 18/9® at the HZDR in Leipzig

Different research projects within the fields of resource ecology and neuroradiopharamceutical research make use of the cyclotron Cyclone 18/9® (IBA RadioPharma Solutions) at the HZDR in Leipzig. Aside liquid (2x F-18) and gas targets ([C-14]CH4, [C-14]CO2, [O-15]O2) two Nirta® Solid irradiation systems (IBA RadioPharma Solutions) are used. A broad spectrum of radionuclides (Ti-45, V-48, Cr-51, Co-56, Cu-64, Sr-85, Y-86, Zr-89, La-135, Ce-139, Au-194) is produced with these Nirta® Solid irradiation systems. Here we give an overview about the used target designs, irradiation parameters and target processing.
The Nirta® Solid irradiation system 1 (SIS1) is mounted at a 2m beam transfer line at port 3 of the cyclotron. The second irradiation system (SIS2) is mounted at port 4 of the cyclotron via a short tube. The cyclotron Cyclone 18/9 provides protons with an energy of 18 MeV and deuterons with energy of 9 MeV. The required energy of the incident particle for the nuclear reaction is set by the appropriate choice of the vacuum (Ti) and the entrance window (Al) of the target. SIS2 can hold coin like target disks (Ø 24 mm x 2mm). The maximal effective target size is Ø 12 mm x 1 mm. The SIS2 is used for the irradiation of metal foils, which are crimped inside the disk in between a cover and a backing plate. SIS1 can operate target capsules with a maximal effective target size of Ø 12 mm x 4 mm. This enables the irradiation of powders and pellets aside its use for metal foils. Both irradiation systems can be pre-loaded with 3 targets for consecutive irradiations. Different target materials are used for irradiation, like metal foils (Sc-45(p,n)Ti-45, Ti-48(p,n)V-48, V-nat(p,n)Cr-51, Ni-64(p,n)Cu-64, Y 89(p,n)Zr-89), metal powders (Ti-48(p,n)V-48, Pt-nat(p,n)Au-194), oxides (La-139(p,n)Ce-139), carbonates (Sr 86(p,n)Y-86) and chlorides (Rb-85(p,n)Sr-85). If required electroplating or pellet pressing is applied for target preparation. After irradiation the targets are transferred out of the vault by a conveyer system. Different techniques, like liquid/liquid extraction, liquid/solid extraction and chromatography are applied for target processing and the recovery of the enriched target material. Gamma-ray spectrometry is used to prove the radionuclidical purity of the product. The presented methods allow a straightforward and reliable production of n.c.a. radionuclides for research purposes. Irradiation parameters, target preparation and processing are easily adaptable to the experimental needs.