Modeling Excitation Functions for Cobalt-57 Production Using natural Iron-Nickel-Copper Targets for Medical Applications

Nuclear medicine plays a vital role in modern healthcare, utilising radioisotopes for various purposes. Approximately 95% of these radioisotopes are used for diagnostic imaging, while the remaining 5% contribute to treatment applications. Cobalt-57 radioisotopes are used in medical practise for diagnostics and radiotherapy. The excitation functionsns to produce 57Co radioisotope for medical applications using natural iron (Fe), nickel (Ni),i) and copper (Cu) for the reactions natFe(a,x)57Co, natFe(d,x)57Co, natFe(p,x)57Co, natNi(n,x)57Co, natNi(d,x)57Co, natNi(p,x)57Co, natCu(d,x)57Co, natCu(g,2n) 57Co are performed theoretically by Monte Carlo calculations with the TALYS 1.6 nuclear reaction simulation code. Theoretical calculated results are compared with available experimental data in the EXFORlibrary.