Yield and purity of 82Sr produced via the natRb(p,xn)82Sr process

The recently reported cross-section data for the production of 82Sr via the natRb(p,xn)82Sr process were evaluated. For the natRb(p,xn)85Sr process, cross-sections were measured experimentally over the proton energy range of 25–45 MeV, a region where very few data existed. An evaluation of the recently published data on the formation of 85Sr was then also performed. From the recommended data curves, the integral yields of the desired radionuclide 82Sr and the impurity 85Sr were calculated. Yields were also determined experimentally over several energy ranges using thick natRbCl targets. The experimental and calculated yields were found to be in agreement within 15%. These integral tests add confidence to the evaluated cross-section data. For the production of 82Sr, an incident proton energy of 60 MeV or above is recommended; the 85Sr impurity then corresponds to <20%.