Modeling Nuclear Reactions for PET/MRI MultiModal Imaging: the innovative use of 52gMn

TL;DR

This study investigates the theoretical production of the radioisotope 52gMn for PET/MRI multi-modal imaging, analyzing reaction cross sections and optimizing production parameters using nuclear reaction codes.

Contribution

It introduces a general procedure for modeling 52gMn production via nuclear reactions, applicable to various target-projectile combinations.

Findings

Optimal production parameters identified for 52gMn

Cross section analysis informs isotope yield predictions

Procedure applicable to multiple nuclear reactions

Abstract

MultiModal Imaging is an innovative technique that consists in the combination of diagnostic exams based on different physical processes, to obtain a unique image with more detailed clinical information. The possibility of a simultaneous use of PET and MRI could be achieved by using a particular radioisotope: 52gMn. The main route to produce this isotope is the reaction 52Cr(p,n)52gMn which is theoretically investigated in this study by means of three nuclear reaction codes. An analysis of the cross sections and a computation of the production rates and time evolution of the produced radioisotopes are performed, to identify the optimal production parameters. The procedure described for this reaction has a general validity and is applied also to other reactions, such as 52Cr(d,2n)52gMn and natV(alpha,x)52gMn.