Evaluation of the low energy cyclotron production of the gamma emitters 107Cd and 109Cd

107Cd (T1/2 = 6.5 h) and 109Cd (T1/2 = 461.9 d) are promising non-standard gamma-emitting radionuclides with significant potential for SPECT use. For the optimized production of the said radionuclides, production routes namely 107Ag(p,n)107Cd, 107Ag(d,2n)107Cd, 109Ag(d,2n)109Cd, 109Ag(p,n)109Cd, 109Ag(p,3n)107Cd and 109Ag(d,4n)107Cd were critically analyzed. The nuclear model codes ALICE-IPPE, TALYS 1.9, and EMPIRE 3.2 were employed to check the consistency and reliability of the experimental data. A validated technique was then used to calculate recommended nuclear cross section values for each production route, considering both experimental data and theoretical modeling. The same approach was followed also for reactions leading to possible radioisotopic impurities. By using the recommended results, thick target yields were then calculated for each production route and corresponding impurity reactions. An optimum energy range for the high purity production with low energy cyclotron was at last suggested.

An overview of nuclear data standardisation work for accelerator-based production of medical radionuclides in Pakistan

The standardisation of nuclear reaction cross section data is an integral part of optimisation of production routes of medical radionuclides. The production cross sections are available for the reactor and cyclotron produced radionuclides to be used for diagnostics or therapeutic procedures. The types of nuclear data needed, and the sources of their availability are summarized. The method of standardisation of charged-particle data is briefly described. A historical overview of research work in Pakistan in this direction is given. Examples of a few medically important radionuclides, such as 64Cu, 86Y, 89Zr, 103Pd, 186Re, etc., whose data were standardised and evaluated are highlighted. Calculated thick target yields from the recommended data are given. Some new directions in the nuclear data research are outlined.