Pure 81Rb for medical use obtained by electromagnetic isotope separation

Abstract

The possibility is indicated of producing pure 81Rb for medical use by means of electromagnetic isotope separation which in the case of rubidium, in contrast to most other elements, can be performed easily with very high efficiency (∼85%). The method is demonstrated by a pilot experiment in which a small target containing enriched 82Kr is irradiated with 26 MeV protons or 31 MeV deuterons. The target was especially designed such that the production of radioactivity and the subsequent electromagnetic isotope separation can be conveniently combined.