Theoretical predictions to produce medical Zr radionuclide via the Y(p, n)Zr route at ≈ 5-60 MeV: Comparison of experimental and theoretical production data.

Theoretical investigations were carried out for the production of the medically important Zr radionuclide. This radionuclide is produced in the interaction of a proton projectile with Y-target, a readily available target with greater purity at ≈ 5-60 MeV. The Y (p, n)Zr production route, a promising avenue in the fields of medical imaging and radiopharmaceutical development, is of significant interest due to its potential to produce Zr, a radionuclide with a half-life of 78.41 h, suitable for various applications. The TALYS-1.95(G) predicted production cross-sections were in very good agreement with the experimental cross-sections. This successful alignment was further confirmed by a strong positive Pearson's correlation between the TALYS-1.95(G) predicted and experimentally measured production cross-sections for Zr radionuclide produced via the Y (p, n)Zr route. Furthermore, the calculations of thick target yields have provided crucial information. It was confirmed that up to ≈38 MBq/μAh maximum production yield of Zr radionuclide, free from radio-isotopic impurities, can be achieved in the ≈5-13 MeV energy window. This information is not just essential, but it's profoundly enlightening for understanding the potential production capacity of the Y (p, n)Zr route. It also guides us in planning practical supply options for medical applications using a small-sized cyclotron at proton-energies ≤13 MeV, enhancing our collective knowledge.