Cross Sections of the Reaction 231Pa(d,3n)230U for Production of 230U/226Th for Targeted Alpha Therapy

Abstract

230U and its daughter nuclide 226Th are novel therapeutic nuclides for application in targeted alpha therapy of cancer. We investigated the feasibility of producing 230U/226Th via deuteron irradiation of 231Pa according to the reaction 231Pa(d,3n)230U. The experimental excitation function for a deuteron induced reaction on 231Pa is reported for the first time. Cross sections were measured using thin targets of 231Pa prepared by electrodeposition and 230U yields were analysed using alpha spectrometry. Beam energies were calculated from measured beam orbits and compared with the values obtained via monitor reactions on aluminium foils using high resolution gamma spectrometry and IAEA recommended cross sections. Beam intensities were determined using a beam current integrator. The experimental cross sections are in excellent agreement with model calculations allowing for deuteron breakup using the EMPIRE 3 code. According to thick target yields calculated from the experimental excitation function, the reaction 231Pa(d,3n)230U allows the production of 230U/226Th in moderate levels.