Experimental study of the cross-sections of α-particle induced reactions on 209Bi

α-particle-induced nuclear reactions for generation of 211At used in therapeutic nuclear medicine and possible contaminants were investigated with the stacked foil activation technique on natural bismuth targets up to Eα=39MeV. Excitation functions are reported for the reactions 209Bi(α,2n)211At, 209Bi(α,3n)210At and 209Bi(α,x)210Po. Results obtained from direct α-emission measurements and γ-spectra from decay products are compared and correspond well with earlier literature values. Thick target yields have been deduced from the experimental cross-sections and optimised production pathways for minimal contamination are presented. A comparison with the results of the theoretical model code ALICE-IPPE is discussed.