Method for producing high purity Sc-47 with intermediate energy cyclotrons (35 MeV) through a multilayer target

The present invention aims to significantly increase the production of Sc-47 by exploiting cyclotrons that can reach up to 35 MeV of proton energy. The proposed configuration advantageously exploits the production of Sc-47 of high radionuclide purity, higher than 99%. 

How does it work?

The object of the present invention is to provide an optimized method for producing Sc-47 by proton beams up to 35 MeV, both by maximizing the direct production of Sc-47 , and by disfavouring the production of Sc-46 and Sc-48 . The method can also be used in the presence of accelerators with proton beams with energy above 35 MeV, using an additional target in order to degrade the energy of the protons up to the 35 MeV necessary for irradiating the main target. Cyclotrons with proton beams of less than 35 MeV energy can also be used.

Applications

• Production of medical radionuclides.

Advantages

• High radionuclide purity.