11C radioisotope production with high-power lasers: how to approach

Abstract Successful demonstration of laser-driven nuclear reactions, resulting in synthesis of medical radioisotopes has been repeatedly reported. However, the obtained activities in these experiments are orders of magnitude lower compared to what is needed for practical applications. Here we discuss the steps which are required for the optimization of the laser-driven production of $$^{11}$$ 11 C using nuclear reactions on solid boron targets. The proposed experiments for optimization of the secondary proton/deuteron beams are introduced. The reported reaction cross sections for production of $$^{11}$$ 11 C on boron targets are critically assessed. The reported radioisotope production estimates are benchmarked by exploring the $$^{11}$$ 11 C activities delivered at a proton cyclotron. Important parameters in the production process are the physical and chemical conditions of the production targets which are also discussed here.