Industrial & Medical Applications

High resolution radiography of a motorcycle engine

The Research Neutron Source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) has been committed right from the design phase onwards to being of service to industrial companies and commercial research institutes. The variety of available applications ranges from irradiation facilities for isotope production, compositional analysis by means of neutron activation and silicon doping, right up to the non-destructive testing of components and material development.

Access for industrial applications to the experimental facilities or irradiation devices depends on current availability and can usually be arranged at short notice. Prices depend on the type of facility required, the duration of the project and the use of optional additional support with regard to data evaluation.

Radioisotypes for cancer diagnostics and therapy

Support for the use of neutron beams for health purposes is based on two approaches. Radioisotopes are produced at the irradiation facilities inside the moderator tank using the high neutron flux. After production, they are processed into medical products for diagnostics and therapy. To promote the development of new radiopharmaceuticals, the Industrial Application Center (IAZ), a dedicated building on the FRM II site, hosts innovative companies such as ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE, which develop and produce new drugs and diagnostic substances.
The second application of neutron beams serves for direct radiation treatment of patients with fast neutrons. Taking into account the limited penetration of neutrons in organic tissues, only cancers located near the surface of the body are irradiated.