Cross sections of natSb(p,x) reactions for 30–46 MeV protons

In order to optimize the production of ¹¹⁸Te in thick targets for use in a ¹¹⁸Te/¹¹⁸Sb radionuclide generator, the excitation function for the ¹²¹Sb(p,4n)¹¹⁸Te reaction has been measured for 30–46 MeV protons. The excitation functions for the competing reactions ^natSb(p,xn)^119mTe, ^natSb(p,xn)¹¹⁹Te, ^natSb(p,xn)^121mTe, ^natSb(p,pxn)^120mSb and ¹²³Sb(p,pn)¹²²Sb have also been determined using stacked foil techniques. The ¹²¹Sb(p,4n)¹¹⁸Te reaction cross section maximum was found to be 480 mbarn at 44 MeV. In order to minimize the ^{119m + 119}Te interference a minimum proton beam energy of 40 MeV is required. The cross section results are compared with published data and with calculated excitation functions.