Study on Simulation of the Yields of Radionuclide ⁶⁸Ge Based on FLUKA Monte Carlo Code

With the development of nuclear science and technology, the application of PET medical radionuclides is increasing, and the demand is increasing. But the Ge-Ga generators used to provide ⁶⁸Ga medical radionuclide are all dependent on imports. In order to carry out the research of Ge-Ga generator technology, we will carry out the pilot experiments of ⁶⁸Ge production.In the study, the simulated production of medical radionuclide ⁶⁸Ge based on FLUKA Monte Carlo program. The end of bombardment (EOB) yields of ⁶⁸Ge with 100 μA, 200 μA and 500 μA beam intensity were calculated by 14 MeV, 30 MeV and 70 MeV proton beams irradiating Ga targets enriched with ⁶⁹Ga for 1 hour, 12 hours and 24 hours, respectively. The changes of EOB yields and the activity of radionuclides on the targets were analyzed. After 24 hours irradiation by 30 MeV/500 μA proton beam, the EOB yield of ⁶⁸Ge nuclide is 3.13×10¹⁰ Bq, which is similar to the EOB yield with 24 hours irradiation by 70 MeV/500 μA proton beam, which is 4.54×10¹⁰ Bq. There are fewer radioactive impurities on the target and higher input and output benefit with 30 MeV proton beams. Therefore, the proton energy for ⁶⁸Ge nuclide production is 30 MeV. The research could provide some theoretical basis and support for ⁶⁸Ge production pilot experiment and mass production.