Isotopes in the United States
Isotopes are essential to American medicine, national security, energy, and scientific discovery. From cancer‑fighting treatments to nuclear forensics and advanced manufacturing, isotopes enable real‑world solutions that protect lives and strengthen U.S. leadership.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the nation’s leading center for isotope research, production, and enrichment. With unique facilities, unmatched expertise, and decades of innovation, ORNL secures the domestic isotope supply chain and advances global leadership in isotope science.
What are Isotopes?
What are Isotopes?
Isotopes are different atoms of the same element. Each contains the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
- Radioactive isotopes, called radioisotopes, decay and release energy. They are crucial for medicine, industry, research, energy, and national security.
- Stable isotopes are not radioactive, so they do not decay away over time. These isotopes are used in research, manufacturing, medicine, energy, and national security applications.
Why do Isotopes Matter?
Isotopes are a critical national asset. Reliable access enables the U.S. to lead across multiple sectors:
Medicine
- Targeted cancer therapies
- Diagnostic imaging
- Clinical trials and research
- Medicine personalized to patients
National Security
- Nuclear forensics
- Nonproliferation monitoring
- Verifying countries follow nuclear treaties
- Radiation detection
Energy & Industry
- Advanced manufacturing
- Battery and materials research
- Oil and gas inspection
- Semiconductor development
Science & Discovery
- Discovery of new elements
- Deep space exploration
- Physics and chemistry R&D
Without a secure domestic isotope supply, these capabilities are at risk.
Who Produces Isotopes in the United States?
Who Produces Isotopes in the United States?
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Isotope R&D and Production coordinates domestic isotope production and distribution.
ORNL is a cornerstone of this effort, operating unique national facilities and delivering isotopes that are unavailable anywhere else.
Key ORNL facilities include:
FAQs: Isotopes
Are all isotopes radioactive?
- No. Many isotopes are stable and do not emit radiation. Both stable and radioactive isotopes are essential for different applications.
Why are isotopes difficult to produce?
- Isotope production requires specialized reactors, accelerators, enrichment systems, and highly trained personnel. Few facilities worldwide have these capabilities.
Why is domestic isotope production important?
- Domestic production eliminates dependence on foreign sources, improves reliability, ensures quality, and strengthens national security and healthcare systems.
Who Works with Isotopes at ORNL?
Who Works with Isotopes at ORNL?
ISED is staffed by more than 600 scientists, engineers, technicians, facilities experts, and other professionals who work collaboratively to advance isotope science, grow production capabilities, and find new applications for isotopes across sectors.
About the Isotope Science & Enrichment Directorate
About the Isotope Science & Enrichment Directorate
The Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate at ORNL leads the research, production, enrichment, and processing of stable and radioisotopes.
ISED integrates science, engineering, and manufacturing to secure America’s isotope supply chain and advance cutting‑edge isotope technologies.
