Production of 44Ti→44Sc generator in comparison with direct routes by cyclotrons : cross section evaluation using nuclear models codes

Abstract EN

This paper we presents a comparative study of several nuclear reactions that are used for production of the medical interested radionuclide 44Sc.

The study includes cross section calculations using TALYS and EMPIRE codes for the nuclear processes that lead to producing the 44Ti/44Sc generator system on the cyclotron as indirect method for production.

The cross section values of the nuclear reactions 45Sc(p,2n)44Ti→44Sc, 45Sc(p,n)45Ti, 45Sc(d,3n)44Ti→44Sc, 45Sc(d,2n)45Ti, 44Ca(α,4n)44Ti→44Sc, 43Ca(α,2n)45Ti and 43Ca(α,3n)44Ti→44Sc were calculated from the threshold energy up to 50 MeV.

The obtained theoretical data were compared with the previously reported experimental values and a systematic analysis of the excitation function was done to calculate the radioactive yields of the produced radionuclides.

Furthermore, the direct production routes were studied for the proton, deuteron and α-particles induced reactions on 40,42,43,44Ca enriched targets for production of the 44Sc radioisotope.

The results revealed that a relatively high radioactive yield can be obtained from the direct processes because of the short half-life of 44Sc.

The generator method is preferred whenever long transport time is needed.

The discussion includes factors affecting the elution of 44Sc from its parent nucleus 44Ti that formed in the irradiated target and the theoretical aspects behind the practical application