Comparison of model predictions with measured proton-induced production of nickel and iridium isotopes

Calculations were performed to support method development for simultaneous production of Ni and Ir isotopes. The work scope included development of the physical target, irradiation configuration, and post-irradiation radiochemical separations. The assumptions of predictive models previously developed were refined based upon the precise experimental configuration selected, including Os target material and a set of stacked targets for concurrent production of Ni and Ir isotopes. Model predictions of the reaction cross sections with EMPIRE 3.2 (Herman in Nuclear Data Sheets 108:2655–2715, 2007) and implied isotopic yields are compared with proton beam irradiation measurements to refine model parameters and guide future experiments.