Stories|Enabling ELBE for High-Energy Target Tests: Advancing Accelerator-Based Medical Isotope Production
Electronics and energy industry
The superconducting electron accelerator ELBE at HZDR has been enabled for high-energy target tests, paving the way for an alternative production method of the critical medical isotope 99mTc. Supported by a €100,000 grant in 2024, this initiative has laid the foundation for a feasibility study and the preliminary construction of an irradiation test beamline. The project aligns with global efforts to develop accelerator-based isotope production, reducing dependence on nuclear reactors while minimizing long-lived nuclear waste.
Key Achievements
The initiative has addressed fundamental challenges in high-energy electron irradiation of a molybdenum oxide (MoO3) melt for 99mTc production. Notable accomplishments include:
- Development of a detailed irradiation beamline design, including beamline components, magnet optics, beam diagnostics, and an exit window for vacuum separation.
- Creation of a conceptual design for the MoO3 target apparatus capable of operating at 900°C.
- Comprehensive radiation protection assessments, including shielding and activation calculations.
- Confirmation of the feasibility of a pilot experiment at ELBE, ensuring compatibility with the superconducting accelerator’s parameters.
- Identification of critical technical solutions required for future high-power irradiation experiments.
Bridging Science and Industry
This project has strengthened collaboration between research institutions and industry, particularly with Research Instruments GmbH, a key industrial partner. By leveraging ELBE’s capabilities, the project facilitates:
- A proof-of-concept for the accelerator-based production of 99mTc, a widely used medical isotope with approximately 20 million applications annually.
- Technological advancements that could extend to the production of other radionuclides, such as 67Cu, relevant for theranostic applications.
- The potential development of high-power, compact accelerators exceeding 50 kW beam power, enabling cost-effective isotope production.
- Utilization of existing infrastructure at ELBE, ensuring the rapid implementation of findings into industrial applications.
Future Outlook
The next phase of the initiative will focus on refining the test beamline and assessing the long-term commercial viability of accelerator-based 99mTc production. Additional efforts include:
- Testing the thermal resilience and operational stability of the MoO3 target system under prolonged high-power irradiation.
- Optimizing beam diagnostics for real-time monitoring of beam parameters and irradiation conditions.
- Conducting further shielding optimizations to meet stringent radiation safety requirements.
- Evaluating the economic feasibility of scaling up the technology for industrial deployment.
This initiative represents a crucial step toward securing the future supply of 99mTc and other medical isotopes while promoting sustainable, accelerator-based solutions.
Are you interested in collaborating on high-energy target testing at ELBE? Feel free to contact us at info@hi-acts.de.