The Cyclotron radioisotopes production facility of the Argentinean Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA)

A Cyclotron facility for radioisotopes production has been in operation in the Atomic Center Ezeiza since 1994. An H- 42 MeV Cyclotron, two target vaults, three hot-cells and a radiochemistry laboratory are dedicated for routinely production of 201Tl and FDG. A 123Xe target station is being currently constructed in a third target vault under an IAEA support project. The Cyclotron is a CP42 H- model, which was refurbished in Karlsruhe, Germany. This CP42 has a few added improvements, which make it one of the best of its class. The improvements included a source vacuum lock and a precise position control. The original variable energy extractor was also changed. The new one extracts the beam through another port than the original, which was selected for better beam quality for 25 MeV to 42 MeV. Recent improvements to the central region increased the internal beam available for acceleration, reaching a maximum of more than 400 μA. An external current in excess of 200 μA is also routinely achievable. Very high vacuum and very efficient and reliable RF system must be maintained to increase this limit. In addition, beam current limitations due to axial space charge effects in terms of vertical aperture and axial betatron frequencies will be discussed. The target systems are being improved for higher beam current. A new modern PC control software coupled to the original electronic control system will be described here. This program simplifies and fastens the operator tasks, providing also more information for diagnostics