Production and radiochemical separation of the Auger electron emitter Nd-140

Among the Auger electron emitters, the radiolanthanide Nd-140 has some uniq ue nuclear properties with potential for endoradiotherapeutic applications. In the present study,Nd-140 was produced via the Ce-140(He-3,3n) nuclear p rocess at the FZ Julich CV28 cyclotron, irradiating CeO2 with He-3 particle s of 36 MeV primary energy. Yields of about 5 MBq Nd-140 per mu Ah were exp erimentally obtained. Batch yields of > 100 MBq Nd-140 were reached. Nd-140 was separated in 75 +/- 5% radiochemical yield using a two-step process, f irst by extracting the bulk of the target material according to a Ce-(IV)/N d-(III) separation, then by final ion exchange purification.