Accelerator-Based Methods in Radio-Material 99Mo/99mTc Production Alternatives by Monte Carlo Method: The Scientific-Expedient Considerations in Nuclear Medicine

摘要

Some accelerator technologies are already used for commercial 99Mo-99mTc production, as the economic criteria are considered representative of the main differences between diverse technologies including accelerators and reactors. This study has provided a review of known and potential 99Mo production using conventional medical facilities. Accelerator-based method in 99mTc production via (p, 2n) direct reaction on 100Mo was simulated using 18MeV proton beam. Meanwhile, a conceptual design for indirect 99Mo production via 100Mo(γ,n)99Mo and 100Mo(n,2n)99Mo reactions was investigated when an electron source of 35MeV by accelerator is used. These indirect reactions were explored via inserted 100Mo samples at different positions inside the lead region. Furthermore, Adiabatic Resonance Crossing (ARC) method based on proton accelerator via transmutation in 98Mo(n,γ)99Mo was examined when the 30MeV proton beam is used. Saturation activity and yield were investigated using alternative proposed methods. The potential proliferation risk associated with accelerator technetium production is minimal. While accelerators could be turned into neutron sources which could in turn be used to irradiate 238U to breed plutonium, and centrifuges used to enrich 100Mo for targets could conceivably be turned to enriching uranium, this would result in very tiny global production capability particularly compared with research or power reactors. The potential of the fresh methods could provide a replacement or complement over current reactor-based supply sources in various radioisotopes production purposes.