Production of 38K using the 35Cl(α,n)38K reaction

The production of 38K using the 35Cl(α,n)38K reaction is studied. The yield of 38K and of the interfering radionuclides produced upon irradiation of NaCl is determined as a function of the energy. Three kinds of targets were used: solid NaCl, a saturated NaCl solution and CCl4. The yields (at saturation) were resp. 2.45, < 0.54 and 3.2 mCi x μA-1. For the CCl4 target, the 38K is separated from CCl4 by fixation on a cation exchanger followed by elution with a 0.9% NaCl solution. The radionuclidic purity was satisfactory for the three production methods. The CCl4-method was perferred since it is well suited for remote-control and can be repeated within a short time. (orig.)