225Ac and 223Ra production via 800 MeV proton irradiation of natural thorium targets

Appl Radiat Isot. 2012 Nov;70(11):2590-5. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.07.003. Epub 2012 Jul 10.

Abstract

Cross sections for the formation of (225,227)Ac, (223,225)Ra, and (227)Th via the proton bombardment of natural thorium targets were measured at a nominal proton energy of 800 MeV. No earlier experimental cross section data for the production of (223,225)Ra, (227)Ac and (227)Th by this method were found in the literature. A comparison of theoretical predictions with the experimental data shows agreement within a factor of two. Results indicate that accelerator-based production of (225)Ac and (223)Ra is a viable production method.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Actinium* / chemistry
  • Brachytherapy
  • Protons
  • Radium* / chemistry
  • Thorium / radiation effects*

Substances

  • Protons
  • Thorium
  • Actinium
  • Radium