How Radioactive Samples and Targets Can Help to Better Understand the Big Bang Theory

Over the past 20 years, we observed an increasing demand of precise and reliable experimental nuclear data in a number of scientific research fields like nuclear astrophysics, basic nuclear physics, nuclear medicine, geoscience, super heavy element research, and others. This demand induces also in an increasing number of requests for high-quality sample material in sufficient amounts and well-known isotopic composition, manufactured in a shape suitable for the specific envisaged application. The desired samples very often represent or contain rare radioactive isotopes, which are very exotic and available in limited amounts only. In dependence on their activity and/or dose rate, the handling of such samples can be extremely challenging. Thus, only a handful of laboratories worldwide are allowed and capable to work with this kind of material. Correspondingly high is the number of requests and waiting lists for sample and target preparation, even if the isotope itself is available in sufficient amounts.