DIFFUSION-BASED SEPARATION METHODS - DRY DISTILLATION OF ZINC, CADMIUM AND MERCURY ISOTOPES FROM IRRADIATED TARGETS

Diffusion-based separation methods allow the extraction of produced ra dionuclides with a low loss of target material, which is of special im portance when enriched target material is used. We present a simple, n on-destructive and rapid method to separate radioactive isotopes of II B group elements (zinc, cadmium and mercury) from IB group metal targe ts irradiated with protons. Irradiated target foils were heated to a t emperature 20 degrees C below the melting point of the target material . During these conditions at least 90% of the desired radioactivity wa s evaporated with negligible loss of target material. Separation time was 15 min for mercury, 60 min for cadmium and 120 min for zinc. (C) 1 997 Elsevier Science Ltd.