MicroNOVA - A novel compact particle generator for medical applications
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Interface Analysis Centre
Abstract
The Micro-NOVA project will construct and validate a compact neutron source that will enable cheap, safe and reliable production of high-energy neutrons at a high flux.
As part of this project, the Micro-NOVA system will be developed and validated for producing sufficient neutrons to viably make medical radioisotopes for the NHS and enable testing of breeder blanket materials for making tritium fuel in future fusion power stations.
The success of the project will be followed by commercialisation of the Micro-NOVA for medical and energy research applications. Our vision is to have a Micro-NOVA system producing valuable radioisotopes for medical treatments in all of the 240 NHS hospitals using this treatment technology. Beyond this domestic ambition, we would aim to export this technology to healthcare systems across the globe.
As part of this project, the Micro-NOVA system will be developed and validated for producing sufficient neutrons to viably make medical radioisotopes for the NHS and enable testing of breeder blanket materials for making tritium fuel in future fusion power stations.
The success of the project will be followed by commercialisation of the Micro-NOVA for medical and energy research applications. Our vision is to have a Micro-NOVA system producing valuable radioisotopes for medical treatments in all of the 240 NHS hospitals using this treatment technology. Beyond this domestic ambition, we would aim to export this technology to healthcare systems across the globe.
Publications
Ahmed R
(2023)
Assessment of Five Concrete Types as Candidate Shielding Materials for a Compact Radiation Source Based on the IECF.
in Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
Bakr M
(2023)
Influence of electrodes' geometrical properties on the neutron production rate of a discharge fusion neutron source
in Physics of Plasmas
Verbelen Y
(2023)
Safety Analysis for Modular IEC Fusor Particle Accelerators
| Description | Impact acceleration funding |
| Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | TRITON |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2022 |
| End | 01/2023 |
| Description | Professorial Research Fellowships Scheme |
| Amount | £625,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Royal Academy of Engineering |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2021 |
| End | 02/2026 |
| Description | William Penney Fellowship |
| Amount | £120,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Atomic Weapons Establishment |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2022 |
| End | 05/2025 |
| Description | ASTRAL Neutronics partnership |
| Organisation | Astral Systems |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We have partnered with ASTRAL Neutronics for the CLASP-funded MicroNOVA grant. ASTRAL are the successor company of NSD Fusion Ltd, the first company to commercialise any aspect of fusion. We have been developing and validating upgrades for the ASTRAL/NSD neutron generators based on Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion. |
| Collaborator Contribution | ASTRAL have provided the project with a commercial IEC device which we have installed and are operating at Bristol. This is a DD fusion device. ASTRAL has additionally sourced some material coatings for our IEC electrodes to assist with our research on substantially enhancing the particle output of these systems to make them usable for medical isotope generation. |
| Impact | We have jointly won further funding to co-develop the MicroNOVa technology via the SBRI Fusion funding mechanism administered by the UKAEA. |
| Start Year | 2020 |