Speaker
Description
The Texas A&M Cyclotron Institute operates two cyclotrons, a K150 cyclotron and a K500 superconducting cyclotron. Both cyclotrons were constructed and operated for decades for discovery science. However, the Cyclotron Institute has expanded its benefit to society by also providing beams for testing the effects of radiation on electronic systems and for production of medically relevant isotopes.
Initially started on the K500, but now operating on both cyclotrons, is the Radiation Effects Facility (REF). The Cyclotron Institute’s REF provides a convenient and affordable solution to commercial, governmental, and educational customers in need of studying, testing, and simulating the effects of ionizing radiation on electronic systems. The facility features a dedicated beam line with diagnostic equipment for complete dosimetry analysis and beam quality assurance. A beam energy degrader system allows for a change of linear energy transfer (LET) without cyclotron returning or target rotations. The cyclotrons, in combination with advanced ECR ion sources, allow for the acceleration of ions to energies as high as 60MeV per nucleon. Featured at the facility is a set of 15 MeV/u ion beams. These beams provide a broad LET range of 1 to 93 MeV*cm/mg in silicon at normal incidence and allow for quick ion changes. For greater range needs, two sets of higher energy beams (24.8 MeV/u and 40 MeV/u) are also available.
The K150 cyclotron also provides beams of alpha particles to produce At-211. At-211 is an alpha emitter of considerable interest for the emerging cancer treatment modality of the targeted alpha therapy (TAT). Alpha emitting radionuclides with medically relevant half-lives are interesting for treatment of tumors and other diseases because they deposit large amounts of energy close to the location of the radioisotope. The properties of 211At make it a great candidate for TAT for cancer due to its short 7.2-hour half-life.
