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A data-based photonuclear simulation algorithm for determining specific activity of medical radioisotopes

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Abstract

For simulating more accurately neutron or proton production from photonuclear reactions, a data-based photonuclear reaction simulation algorithm has been developed. Reliable photonuclear cross sections from evaluated or experimental database are chosen as input data. For checking the validity of the use of the data-based photonuclear algorithm, benchmarking simulations are presented in detail. We calculate photonuclear cross sections or reaction yield for 9Be, 48Ti, 133Cs, and 197Au and compare them with experimental data in the region of incident photon energy below ~30 MeV. While Geant4 can hardly reproduce photonuclear experimental data, results obtained from the data-based photonuclear algorithm are found in good agreement with experimental measurements. Potential application in estimation of specific activity of radioisotopes is further discussed. We conclude that the developed data-based photonuclear algorithm is suitable for an accurate prediction of photon-induced neutron or proton productions.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China

    Wen Luo

  2. Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP)/“Horia Hulubei” National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), 30 Reactorului St., Bucharest-Magurele, jud. Ilfov, P.O.B. MG-6, 077125, Iasi, Romania

    Wen Luo, Dimiter L. Balabanski & Dan Filipescu

Authors
  1. Wen Luo
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  2. Dimiter L. Balabanski
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  3. Dan Filipescu
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Correspondence to Wen Luo.

Additional information

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 11405083 and 11675075), the Young Talent Project of the University of South China and the Extreme Light Infrastructure—Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP)—Phase I, a project co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.

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Luo, W., Balabanski, D.L. & Filipescu, D. A data-based photonuclear simulation algorithm for determining specific activity of medical radioisotopes. NUCL SCI TECH 27, 113 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41365-016-0111-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41365-016-0111-9

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