Changing process leads to purer Pm-147 — and more of it                            

                                Pellissippi State, ORNL partner for new pathway to chemical radiation career                            

                                Thorium-228 supply ripe for research into medical applications                            

# Radioisotope Science and Technology

## Providing new options for science, medicine, industry, security

The Radioisotope Science and Technology Division is a global leader in actinide science, research and development of the 15 metallic chemical elements with atomic numbers from 89 to 103, actinium through lawrencium. Scientists at ORNL are continually improving radiochemical processing methods, allowing the lab to produce and rapidly deliver radioisotopes for science, medicine, industry, and security.

ORNL's historic expertise in nuclear materials processing and characterization and radioisotope production makes it a natural fit to research new uses for radioisotopes, produce and package currently in-­demand radioisotopes, and develop better applications and processes. ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor, shielded hot cells, and glove box laboratories make possible innovations in feedstock processing, target design and fabrication, safety assessments, target disassembly, and radiochemical science and engineering to purify products to meet sponsors' and customers' needs.

This includes radioisotopes needed for medical tests and treatments, research, and industrial applications. But it also applies to researching, developing, and deploying technology that enhances nuclear nonproliferation and safeguards, reduces threats to nuclear material and at-risk facilities, and expands national capabilities in radiation detection and nuclear forensics. For this work, scientists in the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division collaborate with the National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and other government agencies. 

The broad array of radioisotopes that ORNL produces that can be tested and can be experimented with for medical applications is really exciting. Every time I think about it, I think about new things we can do.

## RSTD Sections

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Radioisotope Research and Development Section

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Radioisotope Production and Operations Section

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### Contact

SusanL Hogle

hoglesl@ornl.gov

##                             ORNL-produced tech fuels NASA's Perseverance mission to Mars                        

ORNL produces some pretty out-of-this-world materials. Plutonium-238, a unique iridium alloy, and carbon-bonded carbon fiber are all key ingredients for deep space exploration. NASA uses these materials in the Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator, or MMRTG.

## Current Research

## News

Noah Miller: Intern working to make pellet inspection for Pu-238 Supply Program faster, safer 

## News

ORNL to host international targetry conference

## News

UT-ORII selects two new UT-ORNL convergent research initiatives

## News

ORNL to produce critical industrial radioisotope Ir-192 as part of DOE partnership with private company