Excitation functions of natZn(p,x) nuclear reactions with proton beam energy below 18 MeV

Abstract

We measured the excitation functions of natZn (p,x) reactions up to 17.6 MeV, using the stacked-foils activation technique. High-purity natural zinc (and copper) foils were irradiated with proton beams generated by an 18 MeV isochronous cyclotron. Activated foils were measured using high-purity Ge gamma spectroscopy to quantify the radionuclides 61Cu, 66Ga, 67Ga, and 65Zn produced from the reactions. Thick-target integral yields were also deduced from the measured excitation functions of the produced radioisotopes. These results were compared with the published literature and were found to be in good agreement with most reports, particularly those most recently compiled.