Cyclotron production of molybdenum-99 via proton-induced uranium-238 fission
- Univ. of California, Davis, CA (United States)
Technetium-99m ({sup 99m}Tc; 6.02 h) is the most widely used radioisotope in nuclear medicine worldwide. It is currently supplied from elutions of a {sup 99}Mo {r_arrow} {sup 99m}Tc generator and used for regional distribution or locally for institutional use. The parent {sup 99}Mo (66.02 h) radioactivities are being produced commercially in reactors using the {sup 235}U(n, fission){sup 99}Mo (preferred method) or the {sup 98}Mo(n,{gamma}){sup 99}Mo (less desirable) methods. The production of {sup 99}Mo is based on the operation of a small number of nuclear reactors, most of which have reached decommissioning age. Two new reactors to be dedicated to radioisotope production are now being planned in Canada. Accelerator-based methods for producing {sup 99}Mo and/or {sup 99m}Tc would then provide new alternatives to the current reliance on reactor-based technologies.
- OSTI ID:
- 436879
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9606116-; ISSN 0003-018X; TRN: 96:005275-0110
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Vol. 74; Conference: Annual meeting of the American Nuclear Society (ANS), Reno, NV (United States), 16-20 Jun 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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