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Home of Accelerator-Based Science

iThemba LABS and the Future of Accelerator-Based Research in South Africa

iThemba Laboratories for Accelerator-Based Science (LABS) is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF), dedicated to investing in the growth and development of scientific and technical expertise in accelerator-based science, with a particular focus on women and underrepresented communities. iThemba LABS provides access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, both locally and globally, enabling research into the nature, structure, and properties of matter and materials, as well as the production of radioisotopes for use in nuclear medicine diagnostics, imaging, and therapy.

As the largest facility of its kind in Africa, iThemba LABS is home to several particle accelerators located in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The centerpiece of the facility is the 200-MeV Separated Sector Cyclotron (SSC), which is powered by two solid-pole injector cyclotrons. Since its inception in the 1980s, the SSC has supplied particle beams to two primary user communities: nuclear medicine and nuclear physics research (both fundamental and applied).

The establishment of the South African Isotope Facility (SAIF) in 2023 marks a significant milestone, ushering in a new era where all beam time from the SSC will be allocated exclusively to nuclear physics research. Inaugurated by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, on June 9, 2023, SAIF not only enhances radiopharmaceutical production but also supports research and development in isotope production. "The inauguration of SAIF is part of my department's efforts to enhance our existing scientific infrastructure and promote technology development and innovation in nuclear sciences and technology for societal benefit," said Dr. Nzimande.

In addition, iThemba LABS hosts two laboratories focused on atomic-scale research using particle beams from a 3-MV Tandetron and a 6-MV Tandem accelerator. The 6-MV Tandem accelerator, located in Johannesburg, is equipped with an Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS) for applications in fields such as climate change, archaeology, and cultural heritage.

The National Research Foundation's Vision2030 emphasizes Transformation, Innovation, Impact, Excellence, and Sustainability as key pillars of its national research agenda. In alignment with this vision, iThemba LABS is committed to prioritizing education and training to nurture the next generation of researchers and technicians. Science Engagement initiatives play a crucial role not only in attracting talent but also in disseminating information to various stakeholders, including educators, students at all levels, and the general public.

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Core Business of NRF iThemba LABS

Research and Development-Oriented Innovation and Human Capacity Development

Accelerator Technology

Focused on managing and advancing particle accelerators used in research and isotope production. This department plays a crucial role in enabling nuclear physics experiments and medical applications.

Basic and Applied Nuclear Physics

NRF-iThemba LABS provides laboratories within which particle accelerators (linear accelerators and cyclotrons) are exploited as research tools to probe the fundamental structure and properties of matter. The biggest accelerator is the 200-MeV Separated Sector Cyclotron (SSC) that is used for fundamental and applied research at the sub-atomic scale. The experimental sub-atomic physics’ research programme can be grouped as BASIC SCIENCE (Nuclear Reactions, Nuclear Structure, and Nuclear Astrophysics) and APPLIED NUCLEAR SCIENCE (exploitation of neutrons in metrology and studies of radiation damage to electronics). The availability of accelerated particle beams from the 3-MV Tandetron and 6-MV Tandem create opportunities to conduct research in nanoscience, study the physics of thin films, investigate trace element distributions and mobilization in biological systems, analyse environmental and geological samples, and determine the age of archaeological artefacts using radio-carbon analysis with the AMS-facility (Accelerator Mass Spectrometer). Both laboratories, one in the Western Cape and another in Gauteng, are equipped with an Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) setup that includes a microprobe beamline with end stations for PIXE (Proton Induced X-ray Emission), RBS (Rutherford Backscattering) together with the capability of performing ERDA (Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis). The analyses of samples are furthermore extended through the availability of an X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) and an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). A dedicated experimental beamline for low-energy nuclear-astrophysics was recently added to the infrastructure linked to the Tandetron laboratory in Cape Town. A new research focus in the field of proton beam writing (PBW), and low-energy focused ion beam (FIB) techniques for device modification, was introduced within the department.

R&D Electronics & Instrumentation

Responsible for the development and maintenance of electronic systems that support accelerator operations and other research infrastructures.

R&D Software Engineering and AI-ML

Provides cutting-edge software solutions and implements artificial intelligence and machine learning models to enhance data analysis, system automation, and research outcomes.

Nuclear Medicine and Isotope Production

Produces medical radioisotopes used in diagnostics, imaging, and therapy. This department plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry by supplying life-saving radiopharmaceuticals and supporting research in nuclear medicine.

Training and Development

The establishment of the Southern African Institute for Nuclear Technology and Sciences (SAINTS) at NRF-iThemba LABS underscores the strategic objectives of research, training and specialized expertise in accelerator-based science. SAINTS was conceptualized as the overarching training strategy to develop human capacity and competence in specialized fields of interest for NRF-iThemba LABS. This includes subatomic physics, nuclear sciences, material sciences, radiation protection, radiochemistry, radiation biophysics, radiation detection, accelerator technology, data processing, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Technical entities and national research facilities such as NRF-iThemba LABS have faced challenges related to a shortage of skills and competencies arising from the gradual erosion of technically competent human resources and expertise in critical areas. The main contributing factors to the decline in technical competencies have been general attrition, retirements and the continuous emergence of new technologies. The SAINTS offers a platform for postgraduate student training and development in the medium- to long-term to grow the next generation of scientists and technologists. Concurrently, the SAINTS creates an enabling environment within which NRF-staff can develop professionally by undertaking teaching and learning activities to acquire new skills and to gain exposure to relevant and emerging technologies. SAINTS training and developmental interventions are offered in coordination and partnership with collaborating experts from higher education institutions (HEIs) and accelerator-based research facilities worldwide. The interventions are freely accessible as short courses and workshops, summer schools, vocational training programmes, and exposure to major accelerator-based international laboratory facilities.

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Meet the Minds Powering Innovation at iThemba LABS

Join our team of passionate scientists and experts as they take you behind the scenes of the groundbreaking research in nuclear physics, accelerator technology, isotope production, and nuclear medicine. Discover how their work is shaping the future of science and healthcare at NRF iThemba LABS.