Analysis of low abundance 144Ce and 106Ru isotopes by mass spectrometry
The aim of this project is to develop the high precision analysis of 144Ce and 106Ru by mass spectrometry in irradiated samples for the qualification of neutronic calculation codes. These two isotopes are present at low abundances in the samples of interest and display significant isobaric interferences with 144Nd and 106Pd respectively. To complete this project, the candidate will carry out the appropriate analytical developments in conventional laboratory on inactive samples. Then the procedure will be transposed in the active laboratory for validation with the analysis of real samples. In the case of 144Ce, the implementation of a coupling between high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ICPMS-MC, combined with the isotope dilution technique for the precise determination of atomic contents is envisaged. For 106Ru, the 101Ru concentration will first be determined by ICPMS-Q and the 101Ru/106Ru ratio will be determined by HPLC/ICPMS-Q or HPLC/ICPMS-MC coupling to remove the 106Pd/106Ru interference.
Developpment of a control quality method for radiotherapy treatments based on dosimetric gels
In the field of dosimetry for radiotherapy, chemical dosimetry, and in particular gel dosimeters, are good candidates for dose distribution measurements for the quality control of treatment plans. Actually, these gels are radiosensitive and, thus, enable measurements of the dose in 3 dimensions when read by adapted imaging methods.
This post-doctoral project deals with the development of gel dosimetry methods, using two types of reading devices: Optical tomography and Magnetic Reading Imaging. For gel-MRI dosimetry, the aim will be to adapt and validate the method used at LNHB (Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel) for quality control applications for MR-guided-radiotherapy devices. For this purpose, specific phantoms will have to be designed and produced using 3D printing. The reading method will also have to be optimized and transposed on partnering hospital devices.
Concerning the gel-optical CT dosimetry method, the whole method will have to be developed. This involves an adaptation of the composition for the gel, a characterization of the reading device and a validation of the method established.