An analytical approach to optimization of isotope production by bremsstrahlung radiation

• Published in: Applied radiation and isotopes 2024-12, Vol.214, p.111547, Article 111547
• Main Authors: Uvarov, V.L., Zakharchenko, A.A., Dikiy, N.P., Lyashko, YuV, Pomatsalyuk, R.I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical model; Bremsstrahlung radiation; Electron accelerator; Monte-carlo simulation; Photonuclear isotope production; Target optimization
• ISSN: 0969-8043; 1872-9800; 1872-9800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111547

Based on analytical description of isotope production by bremsstrahlung (X-ray) radiation, an algorithm is proposed for calculating the optimal dimensions of a cylindrical target of given mass positioned at a given distance from a bremsstrahlung converter to ensure the maximum yield of the isotope product. The expressions are derived for the total activity and its distribution along the target axis. A technique of γ-spectrometric measuring the activity of a thick production target is proposed. The novel approach is validated by the 100Mo(γ,n)99Mo reaction induced in a natural molybdenum target by mass in the range 10–100g with the X-ray photons at an end-point energy of 40 MeV. The analytical predictions are in good agreement with the results of Monte-Carlo simulations and experiment. •An analytical method has been proposed to calculate the optimal target dimensions at isotope production by X-rays.•A set of parameters has been established that determine the photonuclear yield of an isotope in a target.•An expression has been derived for the attenuation coefficient of induced linear activity of a cylindrical target.•A novel method for measuring the total gamma activity generated by bremsstrahlung in a thick target is proposed.