Excitation functions and yields for the production of ^87mY and preparation of a ^87mSr generator

Excitation functions and thick-target yield curves have been measured by means of the stacked foil technique for ³He and ⁴He reactions producing ⁸⁵Y, ^85mY, ^86mY, ^87mY and ⁸⁸Y for rubidium chlori It has become apparent that the radionuclides of yttrium that pose a problem as contaminants are ⁸⁵Y and ^85mY, although it has not been reported in the past. Considering the results obtained, the optimum bombarding conditions to maximize the yield of ^87mY and minimize the yields of contaminant were proposed. In order to make the chemical processing method quantitative, the distribution coefficients, D, of strontium and yttrium between an anion-exchanger resin and 0.5% citric acid solution were measured. Based on the results obtained a simple and reliable anion-exchange method was developed to provide a ⁸⁷Y-^87mSr generator.