The Utility of a Medical Cyclotron for Neutron Activation in Research, Teaching and Service.

Dr. John M. Duke | University of AlbertaEnoch ABC Ballroom

Over the past 30 years, Canada has witnessed a significant reduction in the number of its operational research nuclear reactors, dwindling from 10 to 3 due to the decommissioning or permanent shutdown of such facilities. This decline has led to a loss of neutron activation analysis (NAA) and radionuclide production capabilities, as well as diminished research, teaching, training, and outreach opportunities. In contrast, the last 10-15 years have seen a notable surge in the commissioning of cyclotrons, especially medical cyclotrons in the 10-25 MeV energy range, both within Canada and worldwide. For instance, the University of Alberta (UofA) decommissioned its SLOWPOKE reactor in 2017 but established a TR-24 cyclotron in 2013.

The primary purpose of the UofA TR-24 cyclotron is to produce radionuclides for medical use via (p,xn) nuclear reactions. While the neutrons generated in such reactions are typically considered problematic from a radiation safety and, in the longer term, from a facility decommissioning perspective, they can also serve as a potential neutron source for NAA. Using the UofA TR-24 cyclotron, I have been actively exploring, evaluating, and applying the use of these 'by-product' neutrons for the elemental analysis of samples by instrumental NAA (INAA). In this presentation, the utility and limitations of the TR-24 as a neutron source for INAA will be demonstrated through examples of the analysis of archeological, biological, and geological materials. As the number of cyclotrons affiliated with universities and hospitals continue to rise, it is expected that their utilization for NAA, and the production of small quantities of neutron-rich radionuclides for research and teaching purposes, will also likely increase. As a result, this is a topic of potential interest to radiation safety officers at such facilities, especially those who are unfamiliar with NAA.

Wed 9:00 am - 10:15 am