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Published on: May 3, 2019
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Laser isotope separation of 192Ir
M V Suryanarayana1, M Sankari1
1Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Summary
This study demonstrates laser isotope separation to achieve ~98% enriched 192-Iridium (Ir) from natural iridium. This method offers a high production rate for applications in brachytherapy and radiography.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Laser Physics
- Isotope Separation
Background:
- Natural iridium contains multiple isotopes, requiring selective separation for specific applications.
- Iridium-192 (192Ir) is a valuable radioisotope with applications in medicine and industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a two-step photoionization process for efficient and selective separation of 192Ir.
- To optimize parameters for laser-based isotope separation of iridium.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a two-step isotope selective photoionization process.
- Employed density matrix formalism to analyze the laser isotope separation.
- Studied effects of laser parameters, atomic ensemble properties, and ion collection dynamics.
Main Results:
- Achieved approximately 98% enrichment of 192Ir.
- Demonstrated a production rate of 82 μg/h (27.9 GBq/h).
- Calculated high specific activity for the enriched 192Ir (334 TBq/g).
Conclusions:
- Laser isotope separation is a viable method for producing highly enriched 192Ir.
- The enriched 192Ir is suitable for high-dose brachytherapy and high-speed radiography.
- This study represents the first investigation into laser-based enrichment of iridium isotopes.
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