Initial generation and separation of {sup 99}Mo at Sandia National Laboratories

Medical isotopes play an important role in the medical industry in both the United States and the world. Isotopes such as {sup 99}Tc, {sup 201}Tl, {sup 111}In, and {sup 123}I are utilized in diagnostic imaging studies, while others such as {sup 131}I and {sup 89}Sr are used as therapeutic agents. The particular medical isotope {sup 99m}Tc is used in 80% of all nuclear medical procedures in the United States. This isotope is produced from the decay of {sup 99}Mo, which has a 66 hour half-life. The importance of {sup 99m}Tc and the fact of its 6 hour half-life indicate the necessity to maintain a constant supply of {sup 99}Mo. The most prominent method for the production of significant quantities of {sup 99}Mo is by fission in highly-enriched uranium loaded targets. This paper describes the work performed at SNL for the production of {sup 99}Mo