Isotope generation using laser accelerators

This thesis investigates the generation of radioisotopes using laser-based accelerators. These systems represent a promising alternative to conventional methods, such as cyclotrons or dedicated nuclear reactors, offering advantages such as compactness, reduced shielding requirements, and cost-effect...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Bembibre Fernández, Adrián
Tipo de recurso: tesis doctoral
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC)
Repositorio:Minerva. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:minerva_____::d08fe77e14c7cc8f93dd623e3e9a75a1
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10347/47561
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:laser acceleration
radioisotope
production
activation
photoactivation
220720 Radioisótopos
220910 Láseres
230506 Radioisótopos
Descripción
Sumario:This thesis investigates the generation of radioisotopes using laser-based accelerators. These systems represent a promising alternative to conventional methods, such as cyclotrons or dedicated nuclear reactors, offering advantages such as compactness, reduced shielding requirements, and cost-effectiveness. Two experiments are presented to explore the potential of laser accelerators. The first focuses on the production of 11C from 11B for PET imaging via the p,n reaction using a laser-driven proton beam, while the second explores the potential of laser-driven intense high-energy bremsstrahlung beams by irradiating a 209Bi sample. The production of 11C was studied at the Centro de Láseres Pulsados, CLPU, using the VEGA-3 laser. For these experiments, a previously developed wheel target system was upgraded to allow extended operation at 1Hz, despite the significant EMP generated during the interaction.