Thorium based target for Ac225 production and release at ISOL facility of MYRRHA

(ref. BAP-2022-71)

Laatst aangepast : 26/01/2022

The researcher will be active in the expert group: Proton Target Research at SCK CEN in Mol (https://www.sckcen.be/en). The daily supervision of the PhD will be done by SCK CEN Mentor Dr. Fernandes Pinto Ramos João Pedro, [email protected], (phone +32 (0)14 33 34 49) and SCK CEN Co-Mentor Dr. Beatriz Acevedo Muñoz, [email protected], (phone +32(0)14333261). The University promotor will be Prof. dr. ir. Jozef (Jef) Vleugels, [email protected], (+32 (0)16 321244) from the Department of Materials Engineering of KU Leuven (http://www.mtm.kuleuven.be/English/).

Project

ISOL@MYRRHA will be able to produce a large array of different radioactive isotopes for applications in the field of nuclear physics, condensed-matter physics, biology, nuclear medicine and others. The used Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) technique relies on a series of successive steps starting with the irradiation of a target material by a proton beam where the impact of the protons induces nuclear reactions through which the radioisotopes are produced. The produced radioisotopes are evaporated from the target at temperatures in the range of ~2000°C and then, selectively ionized, extracted and accelerated towards a magnetic mass separator for further purification before being delivered to the end-users as a so-called Radioactive Ion Beam (RIB).

Current worldwide production of 225Ac is insufficient for its application in targeted radionuclide therapy used in cancer treatment. As such, the use of the ISOL method, here at SCK CEN, with a thorium base material to produce 225Ac is a venue with potential to bridge the foreseen needs of this isotope and at least, at a short term, allow sufficient quantities for pre-clinical studies.

This PhD focuses on one of the most limiting steps in the entire ISOL chain and especially in the case of 225Ac, namely the target. The main limitation of target materials, especially when releasing isotope elements with high boiling points such as 225Ac, is the poor release out of the matrix (by diffusion and effusion a.k.a diffusion through vacuum). This limitation can be overcome or mitigated by tailoring of the target material chemical composition (metal, oxide, carbide form), its stoichiometry and especially its microstructure (grain size, pore size and volume). After a suitable material has been found, it must be stable at the operation temperatures (usually 2000°C) and thus, the sintering phenomena of this material must be well known and controlled.

In this project, a target material to release 225Ac will be developed, its sintering behaviour at high temperatures will be studied and release studies will be conducted. Since this PhD topic is part of a collaboration with CERN in Switzerland, it will include discussions and work in external laboratories.

More information, see https://www.sckcen.be/en/sck-cen-academy/thesis-and-internship-topics/development-thorium-based-target-production-and-release-ac225-isol-facility-myrrha-2905

Profile

Master of Sciences, Master of Sciences in Engineering, Master in Nuclear Engineering, Master in Materials Engineering, or an equivalent master degree. The candidate should have a background in Chemistry and Physics.

Offer
Ph.D. fellowship for the duration of a maximum of 4years.

The candidate will obtain the degree of Doctor of Engineering Science (PhD): Materials Engineeringfrom the Faculty of Engineering Science (https://eng.kuleuven.be/en) of KU Leuven (http://www.kuleuven.be/kuleuven/). 

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Jef Vleugels, tel.: +32 16 321244, mail: [email protected].

SCK CEN Mentor Dr.Fernandes Pinto Ramos João Pedro, [email protected], phone +32 14 333449

SCK CEN Co-Mentor Dr. Beatriz Acevedo Muñoz, [email protected], phone +32 14 333261. 

The candidate will have to pass the selection campaign of the Scientific Council of SCK CEN, by an oral defense of the research theme on May 16 or 17, 2022.

Before applying, please consult the guidelines for application. The full procedure is explained at: https://www.sckcen.be/en/sck-cen-academy/phd-theses-post-docs/phd-theses

Deadline for application: March 23, 2022
First step: selection based on application file: May 2-3, 2022
Second step: oral presentation of the research subject: May 16 or 17, 2022

Notification final result (at the latest): June 30, 2022
Standard starting date of the PhD research: October 1, 2022 (earliest)

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at [email protected].