Cross section measurements of proton and deuteron induced reactions on natural europium and yields of SPECT-relevant radioisotopes of gadolinium

The existing cross section data of the natEu(d,x) and natEu(p,x) reactions relevant for the production of 147,149Gd were expanded up to 70.9 MeV and 44.8 MeV, respectively. Integral yields of radiogadolinium were calculated, showing production rates higher than for the earlier proposed irradiation of highly enriched 144Sm with α- or 3He-particles. The formation of radioisotopic impurities like 151Gd (T1/2=124 d) and 153Gd (T1/2=240 d) was below 5%. Production of 147,149Gd using enriched europium is also discussed.