Modeling Excitation Functions for Cobalt-57 Production Using natural Iron-Nickel-Copper Targets for Medical Applications

Abstract

Nuclear medicine plays a vital role in modern healthcare, utilizing radioisotopes for various purposes. Approximately 95% of these radioisotopes are used for diagnostic imaging, while the remaining 5% contribute to treatment applications. Cobalt radioisotopes are used in medical practice for diagnostic and radiotherapy. The excitation functions to produced ⁵⁷Co radioisotope for medical applications of natural Fe, Ni, and Cu for the reactions ^natFe(a,x)⁵⁷Co, ^natFe(d,x)⁵⁷Co, ^natFe(p,x)⁵⁷Co, ^natNi(n,x)⁵⁷Co, ^natNi(d,x)⁵⁷Co, ^natNi(p,x)⁵⁷Co, ^natCu(d,x)⁵⁷Co, ^natCu(g,2n)⁵⁷Co are performed by Monte Carlo calculations with the TALYS 1.6 nuclear reaction simulation code. Theoretical calculated results are compared with available experimental data in EXFOR library.