Activation cross-sections of proton induced nuclear reactions on thulium in the 20-45 MeV energy range.

Cross-sections of proton induced nuclear reactions on (169)Tm were measured in the 20-45MeV energy range using the standard stacked-foil irradiation technique and high resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy. Experimental cross-sections and derived integral yields are reported for the production of (169,167,166)Yb and (168,167,166)Tm radioisotopes. The experimental data are analysed and compared to results of the earlier measurements and the theoretical model codes ALICE-IPPE, EMPIRE and TALYS. Application of the new cross-sections to the production of the (167)Tm medical radioisotope is discussed.