Compton Imaging of an Actinium-225 Radioisotope Source
David Higham, Amber Hunter, and Teja Jeleniauskas
Abstract: Targeted radionuclide therapy is a developing technique in the field of cancer treatment that has the potential to address gaps in existing modalities like chemotherapy, invasive surgeries, and external radiation therapies. Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is a specific form of this treatment that is gaining interest due to its higher energy deposition over a shorter path which maximizes cancerous tissue damage whilst minimizing healthy tissue damage. However, it is necessary to track the redistribution of radioactive daughters through the body. Current methods of imaging the daughter isotopes of alpha emitters such as Ac-225 are too invasive, too costly, and lack sufficient spatial and energy resolution. This work seeks to use Compton imaging techniques to non-invasively image Bi-213, a daughter isotope of Ac-225, and analyze its efficacy for further applications in preclinical and clinical trials.
Molten Salt Reactor Design with Tritium Capture System
Gable Edwards, Jacob Fritchie, Tony Kajic, and Joe Oliver
Abstract: One of the main issues affecting modern molten salt reactor(MSR) designs today is the production of tritium within the reactor. Tritium gas can create a health hazard as well as cause embrittlement of the steels within the system. A new MSR design is proposed that collects tritium from the salt for use in other applications. The new design also aims to increase the total plant longevity through materials choice and reduce offline time with a pebble bed design.