Experimental measurements and theoretical calculations for proton, deuteron and α-particle induced nuclear reactions on calcium: special relevance to the production of 43,44Sc

The cross sections of the proton, deuteron and α-particle induced nuclear reactions on Ca were determined experimentally up to 20 MeV. The obtained experimental data were validated theoretically using EMPIRE-3.2 and TALYS-1.6. The production yields of 43Sc and 44m,gSc radioisotopes were calculated and discussed in view of the reported experimental data. Of all the production routes, the 44Ca(p,n)44m,gSc and 43Ca(d,n)44m,gSc showed highest yields of 1206 MBq/µA.h (15 → 5 MeV) and 204 MBq/µA.h (8 → 0 MeV), respectively. The α-particles induced reactions on natCa or 40Ca were found to be suitable for producing considerable activity of 43Sc at energy range 8–20 MeV.