The challenges of commercial isotope production on a linear accelerator

The pulsed beam structure inherent to linear accelerators differentiates it from the characteristic cw nature of cyclotrons. This property can result in additional challenges in isotope production targetry where issues of low melting point, rapid thermal cycling, inadequate cooling designs etc. can have an effect. In contrast, the advantages of multiple simultaneous target stations at several beam energies makes this device especially attractive. It allows for the possibility of economically producing specialized research isotopes in combination with large quantities of established commercial products. The operational history of the Denton LINAC facility will be presented as it relates to those particular challenges of isotope production with a high power LINAC beam. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.