Accelerator-Based Methods in Radio-Material 99Mo/99mTc Production Alternatives by Monte Carlo Method: The Scientific-Expedient Considerations in Nuclear Medicine

Abstract

Some accelerator technologies are already used for commercial [Formula: see text]Mo-99mTc production, as the economic criteria are considered representative of the main differences between diverse technologies including accelerators and reactors. This study has provided a review of known and potential [Formula: see text]Mo production using conventional medical facilities. Accelerator-based method in 99mTc production via ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) direct reaction on [Formula: see text]Mo was simulated using 18[Formula: see text]MeV proton beam. Meanwhile, a conceptual design for indirect [Formula: see text]Mo production via [Formula: see text]Mo([Formula: see text])[Formula: see text]Mo and [Formula: see text]Mo(n,[Formula: see text]2n)[Formula: see text]Mo reactions was investigated when an electron source of 35[Formula: see text]MeV by accelerator is used. These indirect reactions were explored via inserted [Formula: see text]Mo samples at different positions inside the lead region. Furthermore, Adiabatic Resonance Crossing (ARC) method based on proton accelerator via transmutation in [Formula: see text]Mo([Formula: see text]Mo was examined when the 30[Formula: see text]MeV proton beam is used. Saturation activity and yield were investigated using alternative proposed methods. The potential proliferation risk associated with accelerator technetium production is minimal. While accelerators could be turned into neutron sources which could in turn be used to irradiate [Formula: see text]U to breed plutonium, and centrifuges used to enrich [Formula: see text]Mo for targets could conceivably be turned to enriching uranium, this would result in very tiny global production capability particularly compared with research or power reactors. The potential of the fresh methods could provide a replacement or complement over current reactor-based supply sources in various radioisotopes production purposes.