Experimental measurements and nuclear model calculations on the excitation functions ofnatCe(3He,xn) and141Pr(p,xn) reactions with special reference to production of the therapeutic radionuclide140Nd

Abstract

SummaryFor production of the therapy related Auger electron emitting neutron deficient nuclide140Nd (T1/2= 3.37 d) two routes were investigated: the nuclear reactionnatCe(3He,xn)140Nd over the energy range from 15 to 36 MeV and the reaction141Pr(p, 2n)140Nd from 10 to 45 MeV. Some competing reactions leading to other Nd isotopes, namely139Nd and141Nd, as well as to139Ce were also investigated. Thin samples of cerium(IV)-oxide and praseodymium(III)-oxide were obtained by sedimentation and the conventional stacked-foil technique was used for cross section measurements. All the experimental data obtained in this work were compared with the results of theoretical calculations using the exciton model code ALICE-IPPE as well as with literature experimental data, if available. In general, good agreement between experimental and theoretical results was found. The theoretical thick target yields of all the product nuclides were calculated from the measured excitation functions. The theoretical thick target yield of140Nd over the energy rangeE3He= 35 → 20 MeV amounts to 12 MBq/μA·h and over the energy rangeEp= 30 → 15 MeV to 210 MBq/μA·h. A comparison of the two140Nd-producing reactions is presented.