Charged particle induced reaction cross section data for production of the emerging medically important positron emitter 64Cu: A comprehensive evaluation

Abstract The radionuclide 64Cu (T1/2=12.7 h) is an important non-standard positron emitter, suitable for combining PET imaging and targeted therapy. Its production in no-carrier-added form is done via charged particle induced reactions, and considerable amount of cross section data are available in the literature. We evaluated seven reactions, namely 64Ni(p, n) 64Cu, 64Ni(d, 2n) 64Cu, 68Zn(p, αn) 64Cu, 66Zn(p, 2n) 64Cu, 64Zn(d, 2p) 64Cu, 66Zn(p, α) 64Cu and natZn(d, x) 64Cu. Data analysis was generally limited up to about 25 MeV and the consistency check of experimental data was carried out using the nuclear model codes STAPRE, EMPIRE and TALYS. In a few cases experimental data were available up to 100 MeV; the consistency check in the high energy region was done only using the code TALYS. A statistical procedure (supported by nuclear model calculations) was then used to fit the data. The derived recommended sets of data, together with 95% confidence limits, are reported. The integral yields calculated from those data are also given. A critical comparison of the various production routes of 64Cu is presented. The 64Ni(p, n) 64Cu reaction, utilizing a highly enriched target, is the method of choice.