Estimation of 192Ir production rates in wires from natural iridium-platinum in research reactors

Iridium-192 is a crucial radionuclide extensively used in brachytherapy for cancer treatment. The accurate estimation of its production rate is essential for ensuring precise dosimetry and therapeutic efficacy. This study evaluates the production rate of ¹⁹² Ir in wires composed of natural iridium-platinum alloys when irradiated in research reactors. The methodology incorporates the Hϕgdahl convention, taking into account neutron flux distribution, cross-section data, self-shielding factors, and resonance integral estimations. Experimental validation is carried out through neutron activation analysis and gamma spectroscopy using a HPGe detector. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between theoretical calculations and experimental measurements, providing a reliable framework for optimizing ¹⁹² Ir production for medical applications.