Advanced Applied Physics Solutions has released its third annual report, highlighting the company’s diverse successes for 2010. AAPS is an independent, entrepreneurial organization at TRIUMF that focuses on bridging the gap between innovation and commercialization. Building on the strong foundation of TRIUMF’s internationally recognized expertise in particle accelerators and advanced radiation detection systems, AAPS collaborates with academic, government and industry stake holders to develop and commercialize technology emerging from worldwide subatomic research. AAPS’ mission is to commercialize advanced physics technologies for the social and economic well-being of Canadians and for the benefit of people around the world.
Currently, AAPS is pursuing a novel imaging technology for identifying mineral deposits. Muon geotomography uses naturally occurring cosmic ray muons – subatomic particles that penetrate through the atmosphere and deep into the earth. The penetrating power of the muons depends on the amount of the material through which they pass. Detectors placed underground monitor the number of muons reaching them and advanced software algorithms create 3D images of dense mineral deposits. Muon-based geotomography addresses many of the current challenges and limitations in mineral exploration. The technology could increase the success of exploration while at the same time making it less expensive and reducing its environmental impact. AAPS and its industry collaborator, Breakwater Resources, have demonstrated that muon tomography can successfully indentify ore bodies underground. This has directly led to project co-funding of $1.8 million from Western Economic Diversification.
The MoRe (Molybdenum/Rhenium) Isotope project is another example of how AAPS leverages the leading, multi-disciplinary expertise at TRIUMF. The Nuclear Medicine Division at TRIUMF has focused on the diagnostic power of medical isotopes, but there has been a longstanding interest in matched pair isotopes – where an isotope suitable for imaging and diagnosis is first used, followed by a second isotope which delivers a highly targeted therapeutic radiation douse directly to cancer cells. Radioimmunotherapy is a relatively new treatment that combines the cancer-killing power of radiation therapy with the precise delivery of immunotherapy. Essentially, a radioisotope is linked to a protein that selectively binds to cancer cells. This approach ensures that tumor cells. This approach ensures that tumor cells receive a high dose of radiation, while minimizing unwanted damage to normal tissue. AAPS is developing a novel approach to help fill the need for high purity medical isotopes to make radioimmunotherapy possible. The success of these projects will help to maintain Canada’s position as a world leader in medical isotope production techniques. AAPS will continue to work on finding viable ways to develop, validate and commercialize innovative isotope production technologies in order to serve domestic needs and world markets.
The complete list of accomplishments in the AAPS Annual Report includes:
- Developing a new geophysical exploration technique for mining exploration
- Improving border security and the detection of special nuclear materials
- Establishing a commercial venture to reduce x-ray exposure for patients and medical staff
- Building on Canada’s leading role in medical isotopes
- Working to secure Canada’s supply of isotopes crucial for medical imaging
- Surveying Position Emission Tomography (PET) adoption rates across Canada
- Leveraging radiochemistry know-how to fight malaria
- Commercializing thin films, foils and special coatings
- Goals for 2011-2012
There is a growing awareness that collaboration is one of the keys to achieving significant breakthroughs. While the initial idea is the spark, it is AAPS’ ability to establish the appropriate relationships that bridges the gap between innovation and successful commercialization. In 2010-2011, many partnerships and collaborations contributed pivotal elements in accelerating AAPS’ projects along their unique paths to commercial viability.
AAPS has been a key partner for TRIUMF. Their recent progress highlights the impact that TRIUMF-based research can have on Canadian society and the world. Through close collaboration, AAPS and TRIUMF are bridging the gap between innovation and commercialization.
For more information on AAPS, and to read the 2011 Annual Report, please visit www.aapsinc.com.
-- by Aaron Lao, Communications Assistant