Kr86making

Kr86making is an international research initiative devoted to the production, study, and application of the krypton‑86 isotope (Kr‑86). Initiated in 2014 by a consortium of laboratories in Europe, North America, and Asia, the program was established to advance nuclear physics research and to develop new technologies for medical imaging and environmental monitoring. The primary focus is on generating Kr‑86 through high‑energy proton irradiation of calcium targets, followed by separation by laser photo‑ionization and mass‑separator techniques. The program also explores alternative synthesis routes, such as neutron‑capture in spent nuclear fuel and spallation reactions using high‑energy beams.

Applications of Kr‑86 are diverse. In medical science, its stable, non‑radioactive nature allows it to serve as a tracer for lung perfusion studies, providing high‑resolution imaging without the radiation exposure associated with traditional radioisotopes. In environmental science, Kr‑86 is used to calibrate atmospheric models, notably in studying the global water cycle and ice‑core records because its isotopic signature is sensitive to temperature changes. Additionally, krypton‑86 has potential in advanced materials, where it is employed in studies of noble gas diffusion in metal lattices.

Kr86making has faced challenges primarily related to the availability of target material, the cost of high‑energy accelerators, and regulatory barriers concerning the handling of isotopic gases. In response, the consortium has established shared facilities and open‑data agreements to promote collaboration and to ensure equitable access. The initiative has also partnered with governmental agencies to secure funding and oversight, emphasizing safety and environmental stewardship. As of 2023, Kr86making has produced over 10 kilograms of krypton‑86, with a growing pipeline of applications in both medicine and Earth science.