Production of highly enriched Yb-176 isotope in weight amounts by the atomic-vapour laser isotope separation method

摘要

The production of a highly enriched Yb-176 isotope in weight amounts by the atomic-vapour laser isotope separation method is reported. The content of Yb-176 achieved in the experimental samples of the enriched material was 99%. For a commercial production of about 20 mg h(-1), the concentration of this isotope is about 88% with about 5% of the 'harmful' isotope Yb-174. The experimental results may serve as the basis for the technology of obtaining Lu-177 isotope for applications in modern nuclear medicine as a drug with a high specific activity.