A semi-quantitative approach to the design, analysis and operation of a gas target system

Two-level factorial and central composite experimental designs were used to study the influence of operating conditions (pressure and beam current as an example) on gas target design for the production of medical radionuclides. Other aspects of design primarily the foil were analyzed to determine the effect of material properties or the expected performance of the target window. The use of empirical models relating the target's performance to operating conditions provides an adequate method to quantify properties of interest. These models can be readily incorporated into a computer-controlled system capable of updating their parameters, and performing further experiments while ensuring routine production requirements are met. The krypton gas target for the production of ⁸¹Rb was utilized as an example although the models are applicable to gas targets, in general.