Validation of GEANT4 simulations for 62,63Zn yield estimation in proton induced reactions of natural copper

A useful approach to optimize of radioisotope production is the use of Monte Carlo simulations prior to experimentation. In this paper, the GEANT4 code was employed to calculate the saturation yields of 62,63Zn from proton-induced reactions of natural copper, enriched 63Cu and 65Cu. In addition, the saturation yields of the investigated radio-nuclides were calculated using the stopping power from the SRIM-2013 and reported experimental data for cross sections. The simulated saturation yields were compared with experimental values. Good agreement between the experimental and corresponding simulated data demonstrated that GEANT4 provides a suitable tool for radionuclide simulation production using proton irradiation.