New cross section measurements for production of the positron emitters 75Br and 76Br via intermediate energy proton induced reactions

The radionuclides Br-75 and Br-76 are of considerable interest for application in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). For their production so far mostly low-energy or low-yield production processes have been employed. In this work the production of both isotopes was investigated using intermediate energy proton induced reactions and enriched target materials. Cross section data of the Se-77.78.80(p, xn)Br-75 processes were measured up to 66 MeV and those of the Se-77.78.80(p, xn)Br-76 processes up to 85 MeV. The measured excitation functions were compared with calculated results of the nuclear model code ALICE-IPPE. From the experimental excitation curves, thick target yields were calculated. They are fairly high over the investigated intermediate energy ranges. The production possibilities of Br-75 and Br-76 via various routes and the radionuclidic impurities associated with them are discussed