Photon Activation Analysis in Gallium, Nickel, and Vanadium

This research explored the development of the photonuclear production method of Cu-67 from Ga-71 as well as Sc-47 from V-51. Both products serve as high-demand research medical radioisotopes. Furthermore, an understanding of these reactions is significant to fundamental nuclear physics and astrophysics. Bremsstrahlung flux was induced by an electron linac and a 1-mm tungsten radiator. Irradiation of gallium oxide powder, 98.78% pure 71Ga, and a natural vanadium foil at 30.9 MeV and 100 W for 1 h produced 64.4 +/- 0.4 Bq/W.s.kg of 67Cu and 164 +/- 3.1 Bq/W.s.kg of 47Sc. A secondary irradiation with 99.6% pure 71Ga and natural vanadium at 31.5 MeV and 100 W for 1.1 h produced 79.8 +/- 0.9 Bq/W.s.kg of Cu-67 and 136 +/- 7.2 Bq/W.s.kg of Sc-47. The photoinduced activation is promising; however, further research into optimal geometry and power is required to maximize specific activity. Natural nickel was also irradiated to serve as a benchmark comparison. Effective cross sections for each reaction were inferred.