Simulation study of medical isotope production using electron accelerator-driven photoneutron source

[Background]: Photonuclear reactions and compact neutron sources have emerged as promising tools for the production of medical isotopes, providing alternatives to conventional reactor-based high-enriched uranium methods. East China University of Technology (ECUT) is currently constructing an electron accelerator-driven photoneutron source(ECANS) for medical isotope production research. [Purpose]: Investigate the photonuclear reaction with 100Mo isotope and utilize the generated neutrons for isotopic production. [Methods]: The study involves analyzing the photonuclear reactions of 100Mo and investigating the neutron spectrum and activation yield of 99Mo within a high purity 100Mo target. Based on this photonuclear source, a new model to produce medical isotopes is established, comprising neutron energy modulation layer and neutron reflection layer. The study calculates the production yields of 99Mo, 177Lu, and 90Y in various natural oxides and assesses the feasibility of using photonuclear sources for medical isotope production. [Results]: The research results demonstrate that photo-nuclear reactions can effectively produce medical isotopes such as 99Mo, 177Lu, and 90Y, with respective activities of 17.4/day, 18.2 Ci/day, and 57.0 Ci/day. And in the high purity 100Mo target, the daily output of 99Mo reaches 54.1 Ci/day. [Conclusions]: The study demonstrates the feasibility of using the photodisintegration reaction of 100Mo as a neutron source for secondary production of medical isotopes. This approach offers the potential to enhance the economic viability of isotope production. The study analyzed the content of radioactive impurities in natural oxides under irradiation conditions, providing preliminary insights for subsequent separation and purification processes. Therefore, this research has certain reference value for the development of tools for radioactive isotope production.