Excitation functions and yields of relevance to the production of 67Ga by proton bombardment of natZn and natGe up to 100 MeV

Excitation functions were measured from threshold up to 100 MeV for the production of 67Ga and its main radiogallium contaminants in the proton bombardment of natZn as well as natGe. From these, thick-target production-rate curves were derived in each case. The results are discussed in terms of expected yield curves of 67Ga suitable for medical use (99% as well as 99.9% radionuclidically pure), obtained by allowing an appropriate period after EOB for its (shorter-lived) radiogallium contaminants to decay before its radiochemical separation. Theoretical calculations performed with the computer code ALICE/85/300 were also compared with the measured excitation functions, and reasonably good agreement was obtained. (author)