Collection and Analysis of a 13N Labeled Ammonia Radiotracer

Presenter Information

Nicholas Compton, Minnesota State University, MankatoFollow
John Clymer, Minnesota State University, MankatoFollow
James Cotter, Minnesota State University, MankatoFollow
Henry Dam, Minnesota State University, MankatoFollow
Zach Lesko, Minnesota State University, MankatoFollow
Lucas Swanson, Minnesota State University, MankatoFollow

Location

CSU 204

Start Date

9-4-2012 3:00 PM

End Date

9-4-2012 4:00 PM

Student's Major

Mathematics and Statistics, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology, Physics and Astronomy

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Andrew Roberts

Mentor's Department

Physics and Astronomy

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

The production of 13N (t1/2 ˜ 9.96 minutes) was accomplished at the applied nuclear science lab at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Using a 400keV Van de Graaff positive ion accelerator, one can create the nitrogen isotope through the 12C(d,n)13N reaction. Radiolabeled 13N compounds are commonly used for physiological imaging using PET. The method used to drive such a reaction involves irradiating the custom carbon target with a deuteron beam. The carbon target is then heated by an electric current to release the nitrogen isotope while passing a suitable reaction gas though the target apparatus to extract the 13N from the carbon matrix. The released gas will be in a form that can be used for Positron Emission Tomography (PET), a quantitative nuclear imaging technique. One tracer of particular interest is the compound 13NH3. Although the amount produced is insufficient for imaging work, the theory and procedure may be applied at higher energy laboratories, capable of a greater yield reaction such as 13C(p,n)13N.