High-precision measurement of the production yield of 211-astatine by high-temperature superconducting SQUID beam ammeter

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H04403
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 80040:Quantum beam science-related
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Watanabe Tamaki 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 仁科加速器科学研究センター, 特別嘱託技師 (30342877)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 高温超伝導 / SQUID / ビーム電流計 / 非破壊計測 / アスタチン211

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study is to develop a high-temperature superconducting SQUID beam current meter for the nondestructive and accurate measurement of the production yield of Astatine 211, which is attracting attention as a cutting-edge cancer drug. A SQUID is an ultra-sensitive magnetic sensor used to measure magnetoencephalography and magnetocardiography. In this study, we have developed and successfully fabricated (1) a high-temperature superconducting pickup loop that efficiently transfers the shielding current induced by the Meissner effect to the SQUID when the beam passes through it, and (2) a superconducting magnetic shield that utilizes the perfect diamagnetism of superconductors. These successful results are attributed to continued research on two different methods of high-Tc superconductors, the Bi2212 and Bi2223 phases.

Free Research Field

ビーム物理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

RI(放射性同位元素)は、基礎科学研究分野に留まらず、医療や産業など様々な分野において、すでに私達の身近で利用されている。特に近年、最先端のがん治療薬として、α線を放射する短寿命放射性同位元素であるアスタチン211(211At)が注目を集め、実用化が進められている。この製造量と質を正しく見積もるためには、加速されたビームの電流とエネルギーの高精度な測定は極めて重要である。高温超伝導SQUIDビーム電流計は、非破壊・リアルタイムでの測定が可能であり、211AtをはじめとしてRI製造に於ける生成収量の精度向上に寄与する。