Abstract
Excitation functions of (alpha,xrk) reactions on 98.28% enriched Sb-123 and on Sb-nat were measured from 9 to 40 MeV. The data could be described well in terms of statistical and precompound models using the code TALYS. The discrepancies in the literature data for the formation of I-125 and I-126 were solved. The nuclear reaction Sb-123(alpha,3n)I-124 on an enriched target appears to be interesting for the production of I-124 (T-1/2=4.18 d) over the energy range E-alpha=42 -> 32 MeV, its yield being 11.7 MBq/mu A h. The levels of the radionuclidic impurities I-125 and I-126 amount to 1.8% and 0.6%, respectively. The use of Sb-nat as target material for 1241 production is unsuitable due to the high level of I-123 impurity. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.