Modelling cyclotron-based production of radioisotopes via TOPAS

Abstract

Abstract Objective. In this work, the irradiation of natural titanium foils in the beam-stop of a compact medical cyclotron, an IBA CYCLONE 18/9, is simulated to assess the efficacy of using a beam-stop as a target holder, and using two different target geometries, in the production of vanadium-48, a positron-emitting radioisotope with potential utility as a cancer imaging agent in positron emission tomography. Approach. TOPAS, the TOol for PArticle Simulation, a Geant4-based Monte Carlo program, was used to model the cyclotron beam parameters, choose an appropriate physics list, and simulate the irradiation of targets made from foils of 12 or 12.5 μm thickness. These simulation yields were compared to theoretical yields calculated using cross section data from the literature, as well as assayed yields from experimental irradiations. Main results. We found that most physics lists in TOPAS overestimate the cross section in the desired energy range (16–20 MeV) by at least 136%, with the exception of those using the Bertini Cascade Model. Compared to assayed yields, TOPAS provided a minimum of 0.4% error for cup-shaped targets and at least a 12% overestimation for sphere-shaped targets. Significance. These simulations provide a tool to help explain irregularities in radioisotope production yield and motivate modifications to increase target yield.