Production of ⁹²Y via the ⁹²Zr(n,p) reaction using the C(d,n) accelerator neutron source

We have proposed a new method of producing medical radioisotope 92 Y as a candidate of alternatives of 111 In bioscan prior to 90 Y ibritumomab tiuxetan treatment. The 92 Y isotope is produced via the 92 Zr (n ,p ) reaction using accelerator neutrons generated by the interaction of deuteron beams with carbon. A feasibility experiment was performed at Cyclotron and Radioisotope Center, Tohoku University. A carbon thick target was irradiated by 20-MeV deuterons to produce accelerator neutrons. The thick target neutron yield (TTNY) was measured by using the multiple foils activation method. The foils were made of Al, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Zr, Nb, and Au. The production amount of 92 Y and induced impurities were estimated by simulation with the measured TTNY and the JENDL-4.0 nuclear data.