Alpha particles are composite particles consisting of two protons and two neutrons tightly bound together. They are emitted from the nucleus of some radionuclides during a form of radioactive decay, called alpha-decay. An alpha-particle is identical to the nucleus of a normal (atomic mass four) helium atom i.e. a doubly ionized helium atom. Alpha particles (also termed alpha radiation or alpha rays) was the first nuclear radiation to be discovered, beta particles and gamma rays were identified soon after. Alpha particles are relatively slow and heavy compared with other forms of nuclear radiation. The particles travel at 5 to 7 % of the speed of light or 20,000,000 meters per second and has a mass approximately equivalent to 4 protons. Alpha particles, because they are highly ionizing, are unable to penetrate very far through matter and are brought to rest by a few centimeters of air or less than a tenth of a millimeter of biological tissue. Alpha particles are highly ionizing because of their double positive charge, large mass (compared to a beta particle) and because they are relatively slow. They can cause multiple ionizations within a very small distance. This gives them the potential to do much more biological damage for the same amount of deposited energy. Alpha particles cannot penetrate the normal layer of dead cells on the outside of our skin but can damage the cornea of the eye. Alpha-particle radiation is normally only a safety concern if the radioactive decay occurs from an atom that is already inside the body or a cell. Alpha-particle emitters are particularly dangerous if inhaled, ingested, or if they enter a wound.
Market Dynamics
Leading market players are focused on expanding their therapeutic radioisotope production facilities, which is expected to present attractive growth opportunities for global alpha emitter market, over the forecast period. For instance, on March 01, 2023, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, a pharmaceutical company, announced that it has made significant progress in its efforts to offer commercial-scale manufacturing of the rare therapeutic radioisotope actinium-225. A custom-built IBA RhodotronTT 300-HE electron beam accelerator has been delivered to NorthStar’s new Ac-225 production facility in Beloit, Wisconsin, U.S. and installed in the building. This cutting-edge facility, which is a part of NorthStar's expansion plan, will be exclusively used to produce non-carrier added (n.c.a.) Ac-225, in order to ensure scalable, dependable, and environmentally preferable production of Ac-225 for the treatment of patients with cancer and other serious diseases.
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