Speaker
Description
The gamma-MRI is a novel imaging modality that should allow the simultaneous exploitation of the sensitivity of gamma detection (SPECT) and the spatial resolution and flexibility of MRI. The approach uses highly-polarized gamma-emitting nuclei, which exhibit anisotropic gamma-ray emission that will be used for signal detection – decrease in the number of gamma rays emitted longitudinally to the spin (and magnetic field). The first nuclei used in the project will be 11/2$^{-}$ spin $^{129m}$Xe (T$_{1/2}$=8.88 days), $^{131m}$Xe (T$_{1/2}$=11.84 days) and ,$^{133m}$Xe (T$_{1/2}$= 12.19days).
The efficient production and purification of the $^{129m,131m,133m}$Xe is one of the first milestones in the gamma-MRI project. This poster will concentrate of two main methods of production tested so far: neutron irradiation of enriched stable $^{128}$Xe (product: $^{129m}$Xe) and $^{130}$Xe (product: $^{131m}$Xe) at the ILL reactor in Grenoble, and collection of $^{129m,131m,133m}$Xe in gold foils at GLM chamber at ISOLDE. Preliminary data analysis shows that both methods provide xenon isotopes that have a very low level of contaminants and that can be extracted it efficiently.
The poster will present the production parameters, experimental setups, and the Xe activities and purities reached for both production paths. A third method, which is being optimized (extraction of $^{131m}$Xe from Na$^{131}$I powder used in nuclear medicine), will be also briefly mentioned.
