Estimation of the photonuclear yield of isotopes in production targets

Features of determination of the isotope yield in production of isotopes at an electron accelerator are analyzed. Based on the model developed for describing the spatial and energy characteristics of the accelerator bremsstrahlung, a method is suggested for analytical evaluation of the isotope yields under the conditions characteristic of photonuclear isotope production. The validity of the assumptions made is checked by comparison of the model with the results of computer simulation. The reactions 68Zn(γ,p)67Cu and 100Mo(γ,n)99Mo are considered as examples in the practically significant range of accelerated electron energies of 40–100 MeV, with a tungsten bremsstrahlung converter.