Verification of I-131Yields from the neutron irradiation of tellurium

Highlights: • Iodine-131 production from tellurium has been calculated for a variety of irradiation conditions. • Calculated results have been benchmarked against experimental measurements. • Results correct errors which have been found in previous publications. - Abstract: The production of I-131 for use in medicine can be accomplished by the neutron irradiation of tellurium, typically in the form of TeO₂. Unfortunately, the literature contains conflicting data concerning the I-131 yield as a function of neutron fluence, target mass, irradiation time and post-irradiation decay. In this work, the activity of the I-131 was determined using calculations and experimental verifications based on the interplay of these variables.