Nuclear model calculation of yield for 64Cu radionuclide produced in 65Cu(α, x)64Cu reaction at ≈ 10–40 MeV

Abstract

This paper used theoretical nuclear model calculations to estimate the production yield of medically important 64Cu radionuclide produced in the interaction of α-projectile with 65Cu-target at ≈10–40 MeV. Production cross-sections were predicted using TALYS-1.9(G), EMPIRE 3.2, and ALICE/ASH reaction model codes. Generally, the TALYS-1.95(G) predicted and measured cross-sections to produce 64Cu radionuclide are in very good agreement. Further, the statistical analysis of Pearson's coefficient confirmed strong positive correlations between TALYS-1.95(G) predictions and most experimentally measured production cross-sections. The calculated thick target yields of 64Cu radionuclide showed that 65Cu(α, x)64Cu reaction resulted in a maximum yield of up to ≈ 1423 MBq/μAh at ≈ 30 MeV. Furthermore, analyses of isotopic impurities produced during 64Cu production could only give rise to the significant yield of 66Cu impurity as much as ≈ 1988 MBq/μAh, which complicated the process of radiochemistry; however, the relatively short half-life of 66Cu isotopic impurity could only demand a waiting time of about 1.5 hours to decrease its contribution to a negligible level.The yield obtained for the 64Cu radionuclide via the 65Cu(α, x)64Cu route is significant. It validates the viability of this production route and underscores its potential as a promising option for the optimized supply of 64Cu in radiopharmaceutical applications. While further investigations on quality validating parameters are necessary, the potential of the 65Cu(α, x)64Cu production route cannot be overstated.