Proton beam simulation with MCNPX/CINDER'90: Germanium metal activation estimates below 30 MeV relevant to the bulk production of arsenic radioisotopes

Germanium metal targets encapsulated in Nb shells were irradiated in a proton beam. Proton and secondary neutron beam fluences as well as radionuclide activity formation were modeled using MCNPX in combination with CINDER90. Targets were chemically processed using distillation and anion exchange. Good agreement between the measured radiochemical yields and MCNPX/CINDER90 estimates was observed. A target of pentavalent 73,74As radioarsenic for neutron activation studies was prepared.

► An accelerator proton beam simulation was performed using MCNPX/CINDER'90.
► Secondary neutron fluxes and neutron activation were modeled.
► A radiochemical method for the bulk production of arsenic isotopes is presented.
► Germanium metal activation estimates were compared to experimental results.
► MCNPX/CINDER'90 provides an invaluable tool for isotope production planning.