Solid targets for 99mTc production on medical cyclotrons

Abstract

A method to produce solid 100Mo metal targets capable of withstanding proton irradiation with a power density of up to 1.1 kW/cm 2 has been developed. The method of choice involves the electrodeposition of enriched 100Mo powder onto a tantalum backing, followed by high-temperature sintering in order to afford a coating that is sufficient to withstand bombardment for extended periods of time, yet reactive enough to allow for oxidative dissolution in seconds. This method is amenable to high-throughput techniques to allow for the production of 99mTc via the 100Mo(p,2n)99mTc reaction on small medical cyclotrons. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.