12. Preparation of artificial radioactive materials

The principles and the methods of preparation are briefly described for artificial radionuclides. Only reactions producing the desired nuclide in large amounts, of high specific activity and at low cost, and an activated target which is easy to process are suitable for this purpose. Reactor irradiation or accelerated proton, deuteron or helium nucleus irradiation in accelerators are most frequently used. The uranium fission products also are a suitable source. The preparation is described of 3H, 14C, 18F, 24Na, 32P, 35S, 36Cl, 42K, 45Ca, 51Cr, 54Mn, 55Fe, 60Co, 76As, 125Sb, 131I, 198Au, 197Hg in a reactor and of 3H, 11C, 22Na, 48V, 52Mn, 85Sr, and 109Cd in a cyclotron. Radionuclide generators are used for the production of short-lived nuclides for diagnostic purposes. (Ha)