Cyclotron F-18 Production Simulator ⚛️

Principle of F-18 Isotope Production

Fluorine-18 (F-18) is a key isotope used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and is primarily produced in cyclotrons. The most common production method involves irradiating oxygen-18 (¹⁸O) enriched water with a proton beam to induce a nuclear reaction. This reaction is known as the ¹⁸O(p,n)¹⁸F reaction, where a proton (p) is absorbed by the ¹⁸O nucleus, and a neutron (n) is emitted, resulting in the formation of ¹⁸F.

How to Use the Simulator

This simulator helps you predict F-18 production by adjusting key parameters that influence its yield.

• Proton Energy (MeV): This is the energy of the proton beam striking the ¹⁸O target. Higher energy can increase the nuclear reaction cross-section (production efficiency) within a certain range.
• Beam Current (µA): This indicates the intensity of the proton beam emitted from the cyclotron. A higher beam current means more protons strike the target, proportionally increasing F-18 production.

Calculation Principle

F-18 production yield is primarily proportional to the beam current and the nuclear reaction cross-section at a given proton energy. This simulator estimates production based on typical yield data.

• Production Yield: Represents the activity of F-18 produced at a specific energy and beam current. (e.g., GBq/µA)
• Activity Calculation: Total activity (GBq) is calculated by multiplying the production yield by the beam current.
• Mass Conversion: Activity (Bq) is converted to mass (g) using F-18's half-life and Avogadro's number.

The main formulas are as follows:

• A: F-18 Activity (Bq)
• Y: Production Yield (GBq/µA)
• I: Beam Current (µA)
• N: Number of F-18 Atoms
• $\lambda$: Decay Constant of F-18 ($\lambda = \frac{\ln(2)}{T_{1/2}}$)
• m: Mass of F-18 (g)
• M: Molar Mass of F-18 ($\approx 18 \text{ g/mol}$)
• N_A: Avogadro's Number ($\approx 6.022 \times 10^{23} \text{ atoms/mol}$)
• T_{1/2}: Half-life of F-18 (seconds)