Validation of calculational determination of .sup.18./sup.O(p,n) secondary neutron field

0575279 - ÚJF 2024 RIV FR eng C - Conference Paper (international conference)
Zmeškal, M. - Košťál, M. - Czakoj, T. - Šimon, J. - Zach, Václav - Lebeda, Ondřej - Matěj, Z.
Validation of calculational determination of ¹⁸O(p,n) secondary neutron field.
EPJ Web of Conferences. Vol. 284. Les Ulis: E D P Science, 2023, č. článku 09004. ISSN 2100-014X.
[International Conference on Nuclear Data for Science and Technology /15./. online (US), 21.07.2022-29.07.2022]
Institutional support: RVO:61389005
Keywords : O-18 * neutron field
OECD category: Nuclear physics
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202328409004

Cyclotrons used to produce medical isotopes are relatively widespread. Nowadays, it is popular to place small and compact accelerators directly in hospitals. This approach simplifies handling of the produced radiopharmaceuticals, but it imposes strict radiation safety measures during production. For optimal utilization of isotope production cyclotrons, the exact knowledge of leakage neutron field is essential due to the deep penetration ability of the high energy neutrons and the accompanied secondary radiation production. Our paper presents measurement of the neutron leakage spectra for various angles from an open target assembly at the cyclotron U -120M at NPI of CAS. These spectra are compared with data obtained from a compact medical cyclotron IBA Cyclone 18/9 in UJV Rez and also with activation measurements of reactions with different threshold energies. All data were also compared with calculations made with different Monte Carlo codes using both models and data libraries. The preliminary results show significant disagreement between experiments and theoretical predictions. These findings could have implications not only to the nuclear data community but also to the production accelerators operators at the licensing stage.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0345048