Comparative studies on the production of the medically important radionuclide ¹²⁴I via p-, d-, ³He- and α-particle induced reactions

Abstract
Excitation functions of the reactions ^natSb(α,xn)^{123,124,125,126}I, ¹²¹Sb(α,xn)^123,124I, ^natSb(³He,xn)^121,123,124 and ¹²⁶Te(p,xn)^{123,124,125,126}I were measured from the respective threshold up to 22 MeV α-, 36 MeV ³He- and 100 MeV p-energy, with particular emphasis on data for the production of the medically important radionuclide ¹²⁴I. The conventional stacked-foil technique was used. The optimum energy range and yield for the production of ¹²⁴I were determined. The isotopic impurities in the produced ¹²⁴I are discussed. A comparison of all production routes of ¹²⁴I is given, including other (p,xn) and (d,xn) nuclear reactions already known. The α- and ³He-induced reactions on antimony are not suitable for the production of ¹²⁴I due to low batch yield and high impurity level. The commonly used production route ¹²⁴Te(p,n)¹²⁴I gives the purest form of ¹²⁴I and the production can be done at a small-sized cyclotron. Large scale production via ¹²⁵Te(p,2n) or ¹²⁶Te(p,3n) reaction is possible, but with a higher impurity level. Cyclotrons with higher proton energy are needed (up to 40 MeV). The final choice will depend upon the tolerable level of impurities.