New measurement of cross section of evaporation residues from $^{\textrm{nat}}$Pr+$^{12}$C reaction: A comparative study on the production of $^{149}$Tb

TL;DR

This study measures the production cross sections of specific evaporation residues from $^{12}$C reactions on praseodymium, compares results with theoretical models, and explores production feasibility of $^{149}$Tb for medical applications.

Contribution

It provides new experimental cross section data for $^{149}$Tb and compares these with theoretical predictions, enhancing understanding of nuclear reaction mechanisms.

Findings

Measured cross sections for $^{149}$Tb and $^{150}$Tb are 5% and 14% of theoretical values.

New $^{149}$Tb cross sections complement previous alpha-spectrometry data.

Cross sections of $^{151}$Tb align with theoretical predictions.

Abstract

Production cross sections of evaporation residues, $^{149}$Tb, $^{150}$Tb, $^{151}$Tb and $^{149}$Gd, have been measured using the stacked foil technique followed by off-line $\gamma$-spectrometry in $^{12}$C induced reactions on naturally abundant mononuclidic praseodymium target in the 44-79 MeV incident energy range. Measured data have been interpreted comparing with previous measurements and theoretical prediction of nuclear reaction model code \textsc{PACE4}. About 5% and 14% of the theoretical cross sections have been measured for $^{149}$Tb and $^{150}$Tb, respectively. The new cross sections of $^{149}$Tb complement those measured earlier by $\alpha$-spectrometry. Cross sections of $^{151}$Tb are comparable to the theory. Cumulative cross section of $^{149}$Gd sheds light on the nuclear reaction mechanism. In addition, a discussion has been made to show the feasibility of producing $^{149}$Tb in $p$- and $\alpha$-induced reactions on gadolinium isotopes.