Nuclear data relevant to the production of 120gI via the 120Te(p,n)-process at a small-sized cyclotron

Excitation functions of the nuclear reactions 120Te(p,xn)119,120m,gI were measured for the first time from their respective thresholds up to 35 MeV. Use was made of the stacked-foil technique. Thin samples were prepared by electrolytic deposition of highly enriched 120Te (99.0%) on Ti-backing. Integralyields of 119,120m,gI were calculated from the measured cross section data. For the production of the medically interesting β+-emitting radioisotope 120gI (T1/2=1.35 h) the energy range Ep=16→9 MeV appears to be optimum, the thick target yield of 120gI amounting to 2.3 GBq (62 mCi)/μAh and the 120mI and 119I impurity levels to 4.8 and 4.4%, respectively. A comparison of the 122Te(p,3n)- and 120Te(p,n)-processes for the production of 120gI is given. Despite the higher cost of the target material, the 120Te(p,n)-process is superior since a small-sized cyclotron is adequate and the radionuclidic quality of the product is better