• Research Divisions
• Division of Nuclear Engineering Science
• Division of Quantum Beam Material Science
• Neutron Material Science
• Neutron Optics
• Nuclear Beam Material Science
• Nuclear Radiation Physics
• Radiation Material Science
• Materials Radiation Effects
• Isotope Production and Application
• Division of Radiation Life Science
• Research Center for Safe Nuclear System
• Particle Radiation Oncology Research Center

Isotope Production and Application

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Our group produces several radioisotopes using KUR and some accelerator facilities and uses them to study 1) radioactive aerosols, 2) trace elements of materials, and 3) nuclear reactions in the field of natural sciences including chemistry and physics.

1) Study on formation mechanism of radioactive aerosol

A large amount of radioactive materials have been released as radioactive aerosols to the atmosphere during Fukushima nuclear disaster. However, their properties and generation mechanism have not been elucidated. We have studied the chemical and physical properties of radioactive aerosols by generating radioactive aerosols using radioisotopes to elucidate the generation mechanism. And from the viewpoint of radiation protection, we study property and formation mechanism of radioactive aerosols (airborne nano particles) formed in radiation fields of radiation facilities, especially in accelerator facilities using various radiochemical techniques. In addition, we develop a convenient technique for particle size measurement of radioactive airborne fine particles.

2) Neutron activation analysis (NAA) of cosmic and terrestrial samples

To determine trace amount of elements with high accuracy and sensitivity, we apply the NAA method using KUR to various samples; mantle xenolith specimens to search for inner earth objects, shale rocks that is a potential energy source in the near future, and cosmic samples. Using this method, impurities are determined and evaluated in some kinds of semiconductor materials to make them work with high-performance.

3) Study of nuclear reaction mechanism and the isotope production and use using nuclear reactor and accelerators

Nuclear reaction mechanism for intermediate and heavy nuclei such as nuclear fission and spallation/fragmentation is studied in cooperation with other groups using ion-beam accelerators and nuclear reactor. We investigate those reaction mechanisms with various energy regions systematically. As further applicative study of nuclear reactions using electron and ion-beam accelerators, we carried out the precise life-time measurements of characteristic radioisotopes such as radioactive beryllium, basic research for medical use of radioactive scandium, copper, etc. and isotope-production and its use as tracers in the environment study.

Ge detector with auto sample changer	Chemistry, physics, geology and environment come together to understand nuclear reactions.