Making isotopes for medical applications

Nuclear Waste Disposal Cancer Therapy Using Radiation Nuclear Medicine Making Isotopes for Medical Applications... 

When Cf is used as a neutron source, the data listed in Table 11.2 are useful. Practical applications of Cf make use of the spontaneous-fission neutrons generated by this isotope. Neutrons from Cf sources have been useful in such areas as neutron activation analysis, neutron radiography (complements x-ray radiography), and medical therapy. These neutron sources are most useful where access to nuclear reactors is not possible, not convenient, and/or where a lower neutron flux is adequate. For example, portable neutron activation analysis systems have been designed for use in deep-sea exploration for minerals. Various sizes and forms of Cf sources have been designed for medical applications, both for external irradiation and internal implantation. How extensive the practical application of Cf may become will be determined by the success of experiments using this nuclide. 

The rare metal thulium has almost no practical applications. What it can provide is available -more cheaply - from other lanthanides. It has been suggested, however, that the metal could be incorporated in ceramics, making them magnetic. If so, this material could be used in microwave equipment The y-radiation from the radioactive isotope °Tm has been examined for use in materials testing and as a portable X-ray source for medical use. 

The nuclear industry makes available about 3000 nuclides, including both the stable and the radioactive nuclides. Approximately 50 radioactive nuclides, along with some stable nuclides that have been isotopically enriched, are essential in research, medical, and industrial applications. Many of these are now produced commercially, but several still are dependent on government facilities. Some, for economic reasons, come from other countries. Radiation processing for sterilization of disposable medical supplies is an important operation using cobalt-60 from Canada. Electron accelerators have replaced... 

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