Exotic isotope production for medical applications

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Radioactive isotopes have ratio of protons and neutrons that results in their instability. This presents both a plethora of opportunities, and a challenge to obtain them due to their finite nature. This work seeks to meet the rising medical demand for these exotic isotopes, through the development of new technologies and approaches for radioactive isotope production and separation. While the use of established medical isotopes is growing, there are challenges to the supply as nuclear research reactors are decommissioned across the world. Additionally, the application of non-standard isotopes such as 225Ac have shown significant promise for the treatment of cancers, while others have applications in medical imaging. Reliable processes for the production and separation of these isotopes are required to realise the full potential of these applications and to produce pre-clinical amounts for initial studies. This work seeks to address this through ion source and electromagnetic mass separator development for exotic medical isotope production.