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

The radionuclide Cu-64 (T-1/2 = 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 Ni-64(p, n)Cu-64, Ni-64(d, 2n)Cu-64, Zn-68(p, alpha n)Cu-64, Zn-66(p, 2pn)Cu-64, Zn-64(d, 2p)Cu-64, Zn-66(d, alpha)Cu-64 and Zn-nat(d, x)Cu-64. 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 100MeV; 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 Cu-64 is presented. The Ni-64(p, n)Cu-64 reaction, utilizing a highly enriched target, is the method of choice.