Targetry for the in-beam activation of tracer particles for positron emission particle tracking

Positron emission particle tracking measures the trajectory of a single radioactively labelled tracer by coincident detection emitted annihilation photons. The technique enables non-invasive study dense opaque flows, with acting as small neutrally buoyant flow-follower. University Cape Town has established PEPT facility at iThemba LABS, utilising particles produced through radiochemical methods, and measured using adapted positron tomographs. An activation approach producing emitter 18 F inside glass target spheres diameter between 5.0 10 mm accelerated beams alpha-particles been explored. reaction 16 O(O, x) is used, exploiting high concentration natural oxygen correspondingly cross-sections for formation. A standard holder batch production radionuclides LABS was modified, reducing entrance window thickness, allowing ingress circulating cooling water, primary tparticle beam 100 MeV energy delivered separated sector cyclotron (SSC) LABS. Two-hour bombardment nominal current 0.8 eµA activities up to ~ 110 MBq (3 mCi), over 95% activity being F.