Abstract
We propose a novel and simple method for the laser isotope separation of 176Lu a precursor for the production of 177Lu medical isotope. The physics of the laser-atom interaction has been studied through the dynamics of the atomic level populations using the density matrix formalism. It has been shown that a combination of cw excitation lasers and pulsed ionization laser can be used for the laser isotope separation of 176Lu. The optimum conditions for the efficient and selective separation of 176Lu have been derived by studying the time evolution of level population under laser excitation. It has also been shown that, it might be possible to produce ~ 100% enriched 176Lu isotope at a rate of 5 mg/h, which is higher than all previously reported methods so far. The isotope separation process proposed can be easily adopted using off-the-shelf lasers, for similar atomic systems.
Highlights
We propose a novel and simple method for the laser isotope separation of 176Lu a precursor for the production of 177Lu medical isotope
We have proposed a novel and simple method for the enrichment of 176Lu isotope a precursor to 177Lu medical isotope
The physics of the laser-atom interaction has been studied through the dynamics of the atomic level populations using density matrix formalism
Summary
We propose a novel and simple method for the laser isotope separation of 176Lu a precursor for the production of 177Lu medical isotope. The high pulse repetition frequency (PRF) (10 kHz or higher) of these lasers ensures high interaction efficiency with the atomic vapor enabling the production of the desired isotopes in large scales. The γ-radiation is useful for imaging and studies of bio-distribution and excretion kinetics of the infused radionuclide Due to these advantages, 177Lu has evolved as the most effective theranostic (therapeutic + diagnostic) isotope in nuclear medicine. Despite the requirements in small quantities, currently only a very few laboratories in the world have the ability to produce enriched 176Lu isotope leading to the worldwide shortage of this isotope. This is primarily due to the non-availability of the suitable commercial tunable narrow band high repetition rate lasers. They have used the following photoionization scheme for the enrichment of 176Lu
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