Activation cross-sections of proton induced nuclear reactions on thulium in the 20–45 MeV energy range

Cross-sections of proton induced nuclear reactions on 169Tm were measured in the 20–45 MeV energy range using the standard stacked-foil irradiation technique and high resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy. Experimental cross-sections and derived integral yields are reported for the production of 169,167,166Yb and 168,167,166Tm radioisotopes. The experimental data are analysed and compared to results of the earlier measurements and the theoretical model codes ALICE-IPPE, EMPIRE and TALYS. Application of the new cross-sections to the production of the 167Tm medical radioisotope is discussed.

► Proton induced reactions on thulium target. ► Stacked foil technique to cover a broad energy range in a single irradiation. ► Comparison of experimental results with the ALICE, EMPIRE and TALYS theoretical codes. ► Evaluation of medical impact. ► Calculation of thick target integral yield.