PRODUCTION OF NEPTUNIUM AND PLUTONIUM TRACERS WITH A LOW-ENERGY CYCLOTRON

Production of Np-235, Pu-236, and Pu-237 by reactions U-236(p,2n)Np-23 5, U-236(p,n beta(-))Pu-236, Np-237(He-3,p3n)Pu-236, and Np-237(He-3,p 2n)Pu-237 using a low-energy cyclotron (K = 20) was investigated. The cross sections for the reactions were determined. The curves of yields with thick targets were derived from the cross sections. The results are discussed and compared with previous data on other reactions yield ing the same final products. The yields of Np-235 from the U-236(p,2n) reaction and of Pu-237 from the Np-237(He-3,p2n) reaction (thick targ ets) are ten times higher than the yields obtained with other reaction s giving these radionuclides at comparable particle energies. The U-23 6(p,n beta(-)) reaction provides a ten times higher purity of resultin g Pu-236 as compared to other reactions.