Cross sections of the reaction Pa231(d,3n)U230 for the production of U230/Th226 for targeted α therapy
Abstract
U230 and its daughter nuclide Th226 are novel therapeutic nuclides for application in targeted α therapy of cancer. We investigated the feasibility of producing U230/Th226 via deuteron irradiation of Pa231 according to the reaction Pa231(d,3n)U230. The experimental excitation function for a deuteron-induced reaction on Pa231 is reported for the first time. Cross sections were measured using thin targets of Pa231 prepared by electrodeposition and U230 yields were analysed using α spectrometry. Beam energies were calculated from measured beam orbits and compared with the values obtained via monitor reactions on aluminium foils using high-resolution γ spectrometry and IAEA recommended cross sections. Beam intensities were determined using a beam current integrator. The experimental cross sections are in excellent agreement with model calculations allowing for deuteron breakup using the EMPIRE 3 code. According to thick-target yields calculated from the experimental excitation function, the reaction Pa231(d,3n)U230 allows the production of U230/Th226 at moderate levels.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review C
- Pub Date:
- November 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevC.80.054612
- Bibcode:
- 2009PhRvC..80e4612M
- Keywords:
-
- 25.45.-z;
- 24.10.-i;
- 87.57.un;
- <sup>2</sup>H-induced reactions;
- Nuclear reaction models and methods;
- Radiopharmaceuticals