The production of 82Sr using larger format RbCl targets

Abstract

The production of 82Sr at iThemba LABS is performed by the proton bombardment of a RbCl target using the facility's Vertical-Beam Target Station (VBTS). 82Sr is separated from the target material using a method based on target dissolution, using dilute ammonium chloride solution, and the use of chromatographic methods on Purolite S950 ion exchange resin. After performing a further purification step using AG MP-50 macroporous cation exchange resin, the result is a product with a high radionuclidic purity and negligible Rb and Fe impurity content.