Patent Number: 061309265
Section: abstract

A cyclotron and a target system containing rotating foils composed of target nuclide to undergo nuclear reactions with the beam from the cyclotron are integrated into one unit such that the foils intercept the orbit of the accelerating beam in the cyclotron. Accordingly, the beam strikes the foils to undergo nuclear reaction therein and to correspondingly lose a small portion of its energy in its passage through the foils. The transmitted beam from the foils gains the lost energy to the foils as it circulates in the accelerating zone of the cyclotron and subsequently re-strikes the foils. This process of continuing strikes results in accumulation of the beam current striking the foils and proportionally increases the rate of nuclear reactions. Since the beam after striking the foils is re-circulated and regains the energy loss to the foils, the integrated unit is termed the Recyclotron. The targets are designed to dissipate the heat from the beam load primarily by radiation. The Recyclotron seems to be an ideal machine for producing neutrons for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy by accelerating a beam of proton and using beryllium foils. It may also be used for generating other secondary nuclear particles from charged particles other than proton. The Recyclotron may also be used to enhance generation of a radionuclide from a target that has a high melting point and can be made into a thin foil. Specific example is generation of palladium 103 from a beam of proton striking rhodium 103 foils.