Targetry for cyclotron production of no-carrier-added cadmium-109 from natAg(p,n)109Cd reaction

Background: Solid targets that consist of powder and electrodeposited targets are used commonly to produce radionuclides by accelerators. Since silver is easily electrodeposited in cyanide baths and has a very excellent thermal conductivity, the electrodeposited target is preferable to produce 109Cd. To avoid cracking or peeling of the target during bombardment, it should have a level surface and a good adhesion to substrate. Hence, suitable targetry has extraordinary importance for the interested radionuclide production. Materials and Methods: Excitation function of cadmium-109 via natAg (p,n)109Cd reaction was investigated by using ALICE-91 code. The required thickness of the silver deposit was calculated by SRIM code. Theoretical yield was calculated by means of Simpson numerical integral method. Silver was electrodeposited on copper backing by the cyanide bath. The prepared targets were examined with morphology and thermal shock tests. Results: The most favorable beam energy was determined as 15 MeV. The desired thickness was determined to be up to 48 μm the theoretical calculated yield was 2.69 μCi/μA·h. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photomicrographs and thermal shock tests represented excellent quality of the electrodeposited target. Conclusion: The present study suggested a good potentiality of cadmium-109 production by induced proton on electrodeposited silver targets. Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2009 6 (4): 201-206