Standardized high current solid tellurium-124 target for cyclotron production of the radionuclides iodine-123,124

Abstract

The production yield of iodine radionuclides (123/124I) by solid target irradiation strongly depends on the quality of the tellurium (Te) target. To avoid poor quality 124Te targets frequently obtained using the classical method, a new technology for high quality electroplated elemental 124Te was developed. In this method, simultaneous preparation of four smooth, dense and homogeneous 124Te targets was achieved within 1 h period. The prepared targets were capable of withstanding high beam currents without burning or losing the enriched material during bombardment. As a result, in comparison to the classical method, the overall yield of 123I increased by nearly 25%.