A High-Throughput Hot Surface Ion Source for Electromagnetic Radioisotope Separation

An available supply of high-specific-activity radioisotopes was identified by the U.S. Department of Energy as a critical priority to the development and eventual deployment of next-generation medical diagnostic and cancer therapy tools. Work at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center has been undertaken to develop an electromagnetic isotope separation technique that will leverage the production capabilities of the 10-MW reactor to provide radiolanthanides in quantities suitable for use in preclinical trials. A high-throughput concept design based on a solid tantalum hot surface ion source and an insertable titanium crucible will be described. Significant aspects of the electrical and thermal design of the ion source will be presented. Novel heating and cooling strategies were employed to concentrate heating where it is most needed while attempting to reduce thermal stress where heating is not required. Thermal testing from the commissioning process will be presented to demonstrate the temperature at several key locations in and around the ion source.