Encapsulation methods for solid radionuclide production targets at a medium-energy cyclotron facility

The techniques employed at iThemba LABS for the encapsulation of solid radionuclide production targets, based on cold indentation welding, electron beam welding and laser welding, are described. Some aspects of the target holders and cooling requirements to bombard targets in a tandem configuration with a 66 MeV proton beam, with intensities up to nominally 250 A, are also briefly discussed. These techniques are inter alia suitable for a production regimen compatible with the new generation of commercial, high-intensity 70 MeV cyclotrons.