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

This paper used theoretical nuclear model calculations to estimate the production yield of medically important 64 Cu radionuclide produced in the interaction of alpha-projectile with 65 Cu- target at ti10-40 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 64 Cu 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 64 Cu radionuclide showed that 65 Cu(alpha, x)64Cu 64 Cu reaction resulted in a maximum yield of up to ti 1423 MBq/mu Ah at ti 30 MeV. Furthermore, analyzes of isotopic impurities produced during 64 Cu production could only give rise to the significant yield of 66 Cu impurity as much as ti 1988 MBq/mu Ah, which complicated the process of radiochemistry; however, the relatively short half-life of 66 Cu isotopic impurity could only demand a waiting time of about 1.5 h to decrease its contribution to a negligible level. The yield obtained for the 64 Cu radionuclide via the 65 Cu(alpha, x)64Cu 64 Cu route is significant. It validates the viability of this production route and underscores its potential as a promising option for the optimized supply of 64 Cu in radiopharmaceutical applications. While further investigations on quality validating parameters are necessary, the potential of the 65 Cu(alpha, x)64Cu 64 Cu production route cannot be overstated.