Simulation of Cross Section for the Production of Copper-64

Abstract

The radionuclide ⁶⁴Cu (T_1/2 = 12.7 h) is an important positron emitter, suitable for combining PET imaging and therapy. We evaluated four reactions, namely ⁶⁴Ni( p, n)⁶⁴Cu, ⁶⁴Ni(d, 2n)⁶⁴Cu, ⁶⁸Zn( p, αn)⁶⁴Cu and ⁶⁴Zn(d, 2 p)⁶⁴Cu.  Data analysis was generally limited up to about 30MeV using the nuclear model code TALYS-1.6. The result compared favourably with experimental as well as other theoretical works in literature. The integral yields calculated from those data are also given.  A critical comparison of the various production routes of ⁶⁴Cu is presented. The   ⁶⁴Ni (p, n) ⁶⁴Cu reaction, utilizing a highly enriched target, is the method of choice.

Keywords: ⁶⁴⁶⁴Cu Production, Excitation Functions, Calculate Thick Target Yield