Monte Carlo estimation of radiation fields and radio activations in the 64Ni solid target irradiation for 64Cu production and its validation with experimental findings

Cu-64 is an emerging theranostic radioisotope which is generating interest in the field of PET imaging and planning of therapy. A prototype solid target is being designed for producing Cu-64 at RMC, BARC. This study evaluates radiation safety aspects involved in the use of the new solid target using FLUKA Monte Carlo code. The radiological hazards are quantified during the production of Cu-64 and further handling of the target assembly for post irradiation processing. Analysis of ambient dose equivalent rates from the target assembly shows that during the sufficient quantity of Cu-64 production, radiation fields outside the cyclotron vault at RMC BARC are below the allowed limit. The studies also confirm that the 4 h decay after the end of bombardment is suitable for post irradiation handling of the target.