Fission neutron spectrum averaged cross sections of some threshold reactions on cadmium: production feasibility of no-carrier-added 103Pd in a nuclear reactor

Systematic studies on fission neutron spectrum averaged cross sections of some threshold reactions like (n, p) and (n, α) on cadmium were carried out using the activation technique in combination with radiochemical separations and high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy. Special attention was paid to the formation of 103Pd via the 106Cd(n,a α)103Pd reaction since it is an important therapeutic radionuclide. At a fast flux neutron density of 7.5 x 1013 cm2 s-1 and an irradiation time of 120 h, using 100% enriched 106Cd target 340 MBq of no-carrier-added 103Pd per batch could be produced. The method is thus suitable for medium-scale production of this radionuclide. (orig.)