Investigation of the natZn(p,x)62Zn nuclear process up to 70 MeV: a new 62Zn/62Cu generator

The excitation function of the natZn(p,x)62Zn nuclear process was measured by the stacked-foil technique up to a proton energy of 70 MeV to obtain accurate data for production of the ‘mother nuclide’ (62Zn) of the PET related β+ emitting radioisotope 62Cu. Investigations were also made on the 66Zn(p,x)62Zn and natZn(p,xn)66Ga processes and on the 66Zn(p,n)66Ga reaction using natZn and highly enriched 66Zn. The excitation functions were compared with the published data. Thick target yields for the natZn(p,x)62Zn and natCu(p,xn)62Zn processes were also calculated up to 70 MeV. On the basis of these calculations the natZn+p process results in higher yield for 62Zn above 50 MeV than the natCu+p process. The latter process is presently used for practical production of 62Zn. In an energy window from 70 to 30 MeV the available EOB yield of the natZn+p reactions is around 19 mCi/μA h (0.7 GBq/μAh) that makes the natZn(p,x)62Zn process a good candidate for routine generator production.