Cyclotron for PET: System Upgrade after 13 Years of Service

Compact cyclotrons aimed at producing radioisotopes in the hospital environment play a crucial role in the progress of nuclear medicine. Obtaining beams with the current higher than 150 μA and kinetic energy of approximately 20 MeV requires design efforts in terms of stability, radiofrequency (RF), and field shape. The optimization procedure along with the commissioning phase is vital, as well as regular precautionary maintenance in order to guarantee high performance. Since the request of radionuclide users on the beam intensity has increased, we have decided to improve the cyclotron facility (e.g., dual proton source, helium cooling system, RF system, new 11 C target and 18 F target installation, etc.) at Cannizzaro Hospital. The progress of the cyclotron facility upgrade is presented in this paper.