Yellow Tomorrow

5 things to know about the new stable isotope lab (LIS)

5

THINGS TO KNOW

about the new stable isotope laboratory (LIS)

1

This is a first in France

Harnessing its expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies in the transformation, conversion and enrichment of uranium, Orano is developing the production of stable isotopes. Because of their special properties, these non-radioactive forms of atoms are used in a large number of applications, notably in the fields of medicine, industry and basic research.

2

First commercial production in 2023

The LIS will make it possible to develop the stable isotopes needed by the international market in France and ensure the production of “ultra-pure” elements that will meet the needs of users. The laboratory team will comprise about 20 engineers and technicians.

3

Applications in quantum and space physics

In the field of quantum computing, silicon-28 promises great advances in the industrialization of quantum chips with thousands or even millions of “qubits*”. Xenon-136 could improve our knowledge of neutrinos and consequently of matter and antimatter.

4

Isotopes that benefit industry

The use of natural isotopes is expanding into areas such as improving laser performance and the resolution of magnetic resonance imaging.

5

Stable isotopes for cancer diagnosis

Stable isotopes are mainly used as starting material for many radiopharmaceuticals. Molybdenum isotopes are used to make a solution of metastable technicium 99 (the world’s most widely used radiopharmaceutical) for many diagnostic purposes, such as a lung scan to detect possible cancers.

* The quantum bit or “qubit” is the elementary unit that can carry quantum information.

OXILIO

a nuclear materials management service

Oxilio is the service offered by Orano for all users of radioactivity for nonelectronuclear applications such as hospitals, radiotherapy centers and research institutes. With its expertise in dismantling, cleanup, radiation protection, maintenance and radioactive waste management, Orano helps more than 2,000 professionals and industrialists to focus on their core business.

Oxilio is simultaneously a community of sharing, services and a set of digital and practical tools designed to support a maximum number of people in the daily management of radioactivity.

  • Radiation protection and radiological examinations.
  • Radiological decontamination of surfaces and equipment.
  • Containment or fixation of radiological contamination.
  • Controlling the efficiency and compliance of ventilation and filtration equipment.
  • Sizing and installation of containment locks.
  • Dismantling operations.
  • Digital solution for optimized nuclear waste management.