Use of sub-critical neutron multiplication driven by electronic neutron generators to produce radioisotopes

A target irradiation apparatus for producing radioisotope sources, the target irradiation apparatus comprising:

• a containment vessel having an inner surface and an outer surface, the containment vessel comprising:
• a first end;
• a second end comprising a plurality of penetrations, wherein the plurality of penetrations extend from the outer surface of the containment vessel to the inner surface of the containment vessel, wherein the second end is adapted to couple to a transfer system for an irradiation target insert;
• a body section extending between the first end and the second end, the body section comprising a plurality of openings;
• and
• a support member, the support member comprising a plurality of channels, wherein the channels are in alignment with the plurality of penetrations of the second end, wherein a first face of the support member is oriented towards the second end of the containment vessel;
• a plurality of electronic neutron generator insert devices, each of the plurality of electronic neutron generator insert device comprising an electronic neutron generator tube, wherein the electronic neutron generator tube comprises Deuterium, Tritium, or a combination thereof, wherein each of the plurality of electronic neutron generator insert devices is configured to produce a neutron flux when a power source is turned on, and wherein each of the plurality of openings is configured to fit a respective one of the electronic neutron generator insert devices;
• a removable neutron enhancement cartridge positioned on a second face of the support member, the neutron enhancement cartridge comprising:
• a cell structure comprising a plurality of panels, wherein the plurality of panels is configured to form at least one cell volume;
• and
• a neutron enhancer assembly comprising a subcritical multiplication material, wherein the neutron enhancer assembly is configured to be removably inserted into the at least one cell volume;
• and
• an irradiation target, wherein the neutron enhancer assembly is configured to house the irradiation target in alignment with one of the plurality of channels of the support member.