Solid targets for 99mTcproduction on medical cyclotrons

A method to produce solid 100 Mo metal targets capable of withstanding proton irradiation with a power density of up to 1.1 kW/cm2 has been developed. The method of choice involves the electrodeposition of enriched 100 Mo powder onto a tantalum backing, followed by high-temperature sintering in order to afford a coating that is sufficient to withstand bombardment for extended periods of time, yet reactive enough to allow for oxidative dissolution in seconds. This method is amenable to high-throughput techniques to allow for the production of 99 m Tc via the 100 Mo ( p ,2 n ) 99 m Tc reaction on small medical cyclotrons.