Patent Number: 
Section: abstract

A capsule for holding, irradiating, and eluting a material is provided. Methods of fabricating and using the capsule are also provided. The capsule may include a multidiameter tube with a first end region, a second end region, and a middle region. Washers and filters are provided in the end regions and the end regions may be sealed using various methods and materials with the end caps press fit into the end regions. The middle region is designed to store a material to be irradiated by a neutron flux source. The capsule components may be made from materials having a low nuclear cross section so that the capsule may be handled safely after an irradiation step is performed. The capsule is also designed to have a symmetric configuration as an elution and irradiation column so that the same capsule may be used to elute the material within the middle region of the capsule after an irradiation step is performed.