High current proton cyclotron facility under construction at Kolkata for the production of PET and SPECT radiopharmaceuticals

A 30 MeV proton cyclotron facility is being set up by this centre in Kolkata. This high current cyclotron will be used to produce PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) isotopes for medical diagnostics purposes. Two beams will be simultaneously extracted from the cyclotron, which is the Cyclone-30 model of M/s IBA, Belgium. The beams can be of different energy and intensity. There will be several beam lines for utilization of the beam. Two beam lines are being dedicated for SPECT and one for PET isotope production. In addition, there will be one dedicated beam line for material science and chemistry research. A fifth beam line, which will bend the beam vertically down into a basement cave, will be utilized for dedicated experiments for R and D on windows for high power beams. Several hot cells will be provided for SPECT and PET isotope radiochemistry works. In addition, several hot cells will be provided for research experiments also. This facility expected to be in operation around the middle of 2010, will offer unique opportunities for R and D in the area of radiochemistry, material science, isotope production and their applications etc. The details of the facility and its utilization will be presented here. (author)