47Sc production with proton beams on isotopically enriched 48Ti and 49Ti targets

Abstract

The theranostic emerging radionuclide 47Sc is under the spotlight of the scientific community due to its medically favorable decay characteristics (t1/2 =3.3492 d, Eγ=159.381 keV, E β−, mean =162.0 keV) for both the diagnostic and treatment procedures. In the framework of the LaRAMED (LAboratory of RAdionuclides for MEDicine) program at INFN-LNL (National Institute of Nuclear Physics-Legnaro National Laboratories), the investigation of the possible 47Sc production routes using a 70 MeV proton beam is one of the goals of the REMIX (Research on Emerging Medical radIonuclides from the X-sections) project, funded by INFN for the years 2021-2023. Since the LARAMED bunkers are currently under completion, experiments are performed in collaboration with the GIP ARRONAX facility (Nantes, France), where a 70 MeV multi-particle cyclotron is operational. In this work, the cross-section measurements using enriched 48,49Ti targets are reported and the results presented in comparison to the previous literature data, when available. The 47Sc excitation functions are analyzed in relation to the contaminants’ ones since the co-produced radionuclides can affect the dose delivered to a patient. 46Sc cross-section curves are mainly taken into account since 46Sc cannot be chemically separated from 47Sc and its half-life (t1/2=83.79 d) is longer than the 47Sc one (t1/2=3.3492 d).