Resumption of radioisotope production in the Research Reactor JRR-3

Endo, Akira   

The research reactor JRR-3 at the Nuclear Science Research Institute of Japan Atomic Energy Agency resumed its operation in February 2021 for the first time in 10 years. After commissioning, neutron beam experimental apparatus and irradiation facilities were used from July to November, and the operation in 2021 was completed as planned. During this period, Ir-192 and Au-198 were produced and supplied for therapeutic use, and test irradiation for the production of Mo-99 was performed. This is resumption of radioisotope production using nuclear reactors in Japan, which had stopped after the Great East Japan Earthquake. This article introduces future efforts of radioisotope production for medical applications in JRR-3.