Excitation functions of proton-induced reactions on natFe and enriched 57Fe with particular reference to the production of 57Co

Excitation functions of the reactions natFe(p,xn)55,56,57,58Co, natFe(p,x)51Cr, natFe(p,x)54Mn, 57Fe(p,n)57Co and 57Fe(p,α)54Mn were measured from their respective thresholds up to 18.5 MeV, with particular emphasis on data for the production of the radionuclide 57Co (T1/2=271.8 d). The conventional stacked-foil technique was used, and the samples for irradiation were prepared by an electroplating or sedimentation process. The measured excitation curves were compared with the data available in the literature as well as with results of nuclear model calculations. From the experimental data, the theoretical yields of the investigated radionuclides were calculated as a function of the proton energy. Over the energy range Ep=15→5 MeV the calculated yield of 57Co from the 57Fe(p,n)57Co process amounts to 1.2 MBq/μA h and from the natFe(p,xn)57Co reaction to 0.025 MBq/μA h. The radionuclidic impurity levels are discussed. Use of highly enriched 57Fe as target material would lead to formation of high-purity 57Co.