Experimental measurements and nuclear model calculations on the excitation functions of $^{nat}Ce(^{3}He, xn)$ and $^{141}$therapeutic radionuclide $^{140}$Nd

For production of the therapy related Auger electron emitting neutron deficient nuclide /sup 140/Nd (T/sub fraction 1/2/=3.37d) two routes were investigated: the nuclear reaction range from 15 to 36 MeV and the reaction /sup 141/Pr(p,2n)/sup 140isotopes, namely /sup 139/Nd and /sup 141/Nd, as well as to cerium(IV)-oxide and praseodymium (III)-oxide were obtained by sedimentation and the conventional stacked-foil technique was used for cross section measurements. All the experimental data obtained in this work were compared with the results of theoretical calculations using the exciton model code ALICE-IPPE as well as with literature experimental data, if available. In general, good agreement between experimental and theoretical results was found. The theoretical thick target yields of all the product nuclides were calculated from the measured excitation functions. The theoretical thick target yield of amounts to 12 MBq/mu Acenterdoth and over the energy range E/sub p/=30rightward arrow15 Me V to 210 MBq/mu; Acenterdoth. A comparison of the two /sup 140/Nd- producing reactions is presented.