Abstract: A target assembly for irradiating Zn68 with high energy gamma rays to form Cu67 is described. The assembly comprises a Zn68 target mass, optionally housed within in a water-tight chamber, the assembly including a plurality of parallel external cooling fins in contact with the Zn68 target mass or the chamber, the Zn68 target mass being removable from the assembly, or separable from the plurality of cooling fins when no chamber is present, so that Cu67 can be isolated from the Zn68 after irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing Cu67 radioisotope suitable for use in medical applications. The method comprises irradiating a metallic zinc-68 (Zn68) target with a high energy gamma ray beam. After irradiation, the Cu67 is isolated from the Zn68 by any suitable method (e.g., chemical and/or physical separation). In a preferred embodiment, the Cu67 is isolated by sublimation of the zinc (e.g., at about 500-700° C. under reduced pressure) to afford a copper residue containing Cu67. The Cu67 can be further purified by chemical means (i.e., dissolution in acid, followed by ion exchange).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing Cu67 radioisotope suitable for use in medical applications. The method comprises irradiating a metallic zinc-68 (Zn68) target with a high energy gamma ray beam. After irradiation, the Cu67 is isolated from the Zn68 by any suitable method (e.g., chemical and/or physical separation). In a preferred embodiment, the Cu67 is isolated by sublimation of the zinc (e.g., at about 500-700° C. under reduced pressure) to afford a copper residue containing Cu67. The Cu67 can be further purified by chemical means (i.e., dissolution in acid, followed by ion exchange).