Irradiation targets for the production of radioisotopes

An irradiation target for the production of radioisotopes, comprising:

• a plurality of plates each defining a central opening;
• and
• a first elongated central member passing through the central openings of the plurality of plates so that the plurality of plates are retained thereon, the first elongated central member including an elongated body, a pair of wings extending transversely therefrom at a first end and lying in a vertical plane that is parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the first elongated central member, and a pair of tabs extending transversely therefrom at a second end;
• a second elongated central member passing through the central openings of the plurality of plates, the second elongated central member including an elongated body, a pair of wings extending transversely from a first end and lying in a vertical plane that is parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the second elongated central member, and a pair of tabs extending therefrom at a second end, wherein the tabs of the second elongated central member are adjacent to the wings of the first elongated central member;
• wherein the tabs of the second elongated central member are folded over the wings of the first elongated central member so that the tabs of the second elongated central member lie in a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the second elongated central member;
• wherein the plurality of plates, the first elongated central member, and the second elongated central member are each formed of materials that produce molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) by way of neutron capture.