Current status and prospects of rare nuclides irradiation production technology through ultra-high flux reactors

²³⁸Pu, ²⁵²Cf and other rare nuclides have important applications in nuclear energy, aerospace and other fields. The irradiation production of rare nuclides faces challenges such as complex conversion chain, large fission loss, and extremely low yield, and typically requires irradiating targets under ultra-high neutron flux. Ultra-high flux reactor is the most important facility for large-scale preparation of rare nuclides. Currently, our country doesn’t have the capacity for large-scale preparation of rare nuclides and relies entirely on imports. Realizing the independent and stable supply of rare nuclides is of great significance for the development of strategic key areas in China. The key technologies for producing rare nuclides through irradiation in ultra-high flux reactors include preparation techniques for super-heavy target materials, optimization design techniques for irradiation targets, irradiation techniques in ultra-high flux reactors, separation and purification techniques, etc. This paper analyzes the current status and key technologies for producing rare nuclides through irradiation in ultra-high flux reactors, and looks forward to the development strategy of rare nuclides preparation in China.