Evaluation of the low energy cyclotron production of the gamma emitters ¹⁰⁷Cd and ¹⁰⁹Cd

¹⁰⁷Cd (T_1/2 = 6.5 h) and ¹⁰⁹Cd (T_1/2 = 461.9 d) are promising non-standard gamma-emitting radionuclides with significant potential for SPECT use. For the optimized production of the said radionuclides, production routes namely ¹⁰⁷Ag(p,n)¹⁰⁷Cd, ¹⁰⁷Ag(d,2n)¹⁰⁷Cd, ¹⁰⁹Ag(d,2n)¹⁰⁹Cd, ¹⁰⁹Ag(p,n)¹⁰⁹Cd, ¹⁰⁹Ag(p,3n)¹⁰⁷Cd and ¹⁰⁹Ag(d,4n)¹⁰⁷Cd were critically analyzed. The nuclear model codes ALICE-IPPE, TALYS 1.9, and EMPIRE 3.2 were employed to check the consistency and reliability of the experimental data. A validated technique was then used to calculate recommended nuclear cross section values for each production route, considering both experimental data and theoretical modeling. The same approach was followed also for reactions leading to possible radioisotopic impurities. By using the recommended results, thick target yields were then calculated for each production route and corresponding impurity reactions. An optimum energy range for the high purity production with low energy cyclotron was at last suggested.