Description
Laser generated sources of TNSA protons and alpha particles (produced by proton boron fusion reactions) can be used for the production of radioisotopes of medical interest. The present work discusses the results from experiments performed using the PW-class, short duration and high repetition laser VEGA-III at CLPU, Spain. In the experiment, we used the pitcher-catcher scheme, using thin Al foils to produce accelerated protons, which were directed on various targets including boron catchers (BN, BNH6) to produce alpha particles through proton boron fusion reactions. We used a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector to trace gamma ray emission lines from the activated catcher showing emission lines from 7Be, 11C, and 18F, measuring their lifetime and estimating their activity [1, 2]. We also used high density calcium
silicate (Ca2SiO4) catchers to produce scandium radioisotopes either by the interaction with alpha-particles produced by proton-boron fusion or directly by the accelerated proton beam. The results indicate the presence of the scandium radioisotopes: 43Sc, 44Sc, and 48Sc. We are reporting on two experiments. The first one demonstrated possibility of radioisotope production [1, 2], the second one put light on developments, which might allow developing laser-driven sources of radioisotopes for medical applications.
References
[1] M. R. D. Rodrigues, A. Bonasera, M. Scisciò, et al., Radioisotopes production using lasers: from basic science to applications, Matter Radiat. Extremes 9, 037203 (2024)
[2] K. L. Batani, M.R.D. Rodrigues, A. Bonasera, et al., Generation of radioisotopes for medical applications using high-repetition, high-intensity laser, HPLSE 13, e11 (2025)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This work has been carried out within the framework of the COST Action CA21128-PROBONO “PROton BOron Nuclear fusion: from energy production to medical applications”, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology - www.cost.eu).