New Options for Security, Industry, Medicine and Science
The Radioisotope Science and Technology Division (RSTD) is a global leader in actinide science, research and development of the 15 metallic chemical elements with atomic numbers from 89 to 103, actinium through lawrencium. Scientists at ORNL are continually improving radiochemical processing methods, allowing the lab to produce and rapidly deliver radioisotopes for national security, industry, medicine and scientific innovation.
Historic Expertise, Future Innovation
Historic Expertise, Future Innovation
Historic expertise in nuclear materials processing and characterization and radioisotope production makes ORNL a natural fit to research new uses for radioisotopes, produce and package currently in-demand radioisotopes and innovate better applications and processes. The lab facilities make possible innovations in feedstock processing, target design and fabrication, safety assessments, target disassembly, and radiochemical science and engineering to purify products to meet sponsors' and customers' needs.
Needs include radioisotopes for medical tests and treatments, research and industrial applications. But it also applies to researching, developing and deploying technology that enhances nuclear nonproliferation and safeguards, reduces threats to nuclear material and at-risk facilities, and expands national capabilities in radiation detection and nuclear forensics. For this work, scientists in the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division collaborate with the National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and other government agencies.
Radioisotope Research and Development
The radioisotope research and development section innovates approaches to isolating accelerator and reactor-produced radionuclides for national security, industrial, medical and research applications. This group includes explores the fundamental properties of radionuclides, designing and implementing novel radionuclide separation strategies and expanding their usefulness for the nation. Staff of multidisciplinary teams maintain, expand and establish radionuclide supplies. Scientific work performed by these teams enhances our understanding of radioisotopes and explores potential future applications across multiple areas that impact us every day.
Medical Isotopes Development Group
Medical Isotopes Development Group
The Medical Isotopes Development Group team ranges from radiochemists to technicians, and staff work on emerging development of medical isotopes.
Isotope Applications Research Group
Isotope Applications Research Group
The Isotope Applications Research group is a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing the production, exploration of fundamental properties, and practical applications of radioisotopes produced at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Radiochemical Process Development Group
Radiochemical Process Development Group
The Radiochemical Process Development group primarily functions out of Radiochemical Engineering Development Center and works on innovative and novel research projects funded through proposal calls and existing programs.
Radioisotope Production Engineering and Analysis Section
To deliver radioisotopes to partners in national security, industry, oil and gas, medicine and energy, staff in this group work in Target Design, Analysis and Qualification and in Project Integration and Material Accountability. Researchers, neutronics analysts, nuclear mechanical engineers and other staff members part of the Target Design, Analysis and Qualification teams as an essential arm of the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division. Employees in Project Integration and Material Accountability range from transportation and logistics experts and engineers to quality managers, all part of the mission to ensure critical radioisotopes assist in crucial national missions.
Target Design, Analysis and Qualification Group
Target Design, Analysis and Qualification Group
The Target, Design, Analysis and Qualification Group works at designing, modeling and the qualification of irradiation target assemblies.
Radioisotope Infrastructure Development Group
Radioisotope Infrastructure Development Group
The Radioisotope Infrastructure Development Group provides engineering design and process development for fabrication and scaled-up production of target assemblies, as well as customized glovebox and hot cell processing equipment.
Project Integration and Material Accountability Group
Project Integration and Material Accountability Group
This group helps coordinate lab space, set priorities for projects, nuclear material management and try to ensure quality and compliance in our day-to-day operations.
Process Coordination
Process Coordination
This group integrates isotope production, research and development, waste management, and maintenance activities for the REDC hot cells.
