Potential of a compact low energy proton accelertor for medical applications

This thesis explores the potential of a compact low energy (<10MeV) proton accelerator for medical applications such as the production of neutrons for cancer neutron therapy and the production of SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) radioisotopes.
During the course of this study the simulation code GEANT4 was used to study yields of these neutrons and isotopes from the typically low threshold high cross-­‐section (p,n) reactions. Due to the limits of the
current models within GEANT4 some development of a new data-­‐driven model for low energy proton interactions was undertaken and has been tested here. This model was found to be suitably reliable for continued study into the low energy production of positron emitting, PET, isotopes of copper and gallium as replacements for the main SPECT isotope technetium-­‐99m. While 99mTc is currently the most popular radioisotope being used in over 90% of the worlds nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures supply is under threat by the impending shut down of the current reactor based sources.
Simulations of both thin and thick targets were carried out to study the potential of low energy production of these isotopes. The final activity of the radioisotopes after irradiation of these targets produced by the simulations has been shown here to be sufficient for multiple doses. The useable activity is dependent on the efficiency of the extraction process and the time between irradiation and administration.