Formation of medical radioisotopes in [sup.111]In, [sup.117m]Sn, [sup.124]Sb, and [sup.177]Lu in photonuclear reactions

The possibility of the photonuclear production of radioisotopes [sup.111]In, [sup.117m]Sn, [sup.124]Sb, and [sup.177]Lu is discussed. Reaction yields were measured by the gamma-activation method. The enriched tin isotopes [sup.112,118]Sn and Te and Hf[O.sub.2] of natural isotopic composition were used as targets. The targets were irradiated at the linear electron accelerator of Alikhanian National Science Laboratory (Yerevan) at the energy of 40 MeV. The experimental results obtained in this way reveal that the yield and purity of radioisotopes [sup.111]In and [sup.117m]Sn are acceptable for their production via photonuclear reactions. Reactions proceeding on targets from Te and Hf[O.sub.2] of natural isotopic composition and leading to the formation of [sup.124]Sb and [sup.177]Lu have small yields and are hardly appropriate for the photoproduction of these radioisotopes even in the case of enriched targets.