Photonuclear reactions and compact neutron sources have emerged as promising tools for the production of medical isotopes, providing alternatives to conventional reactor-based high-enriched uranium methods. East China University of Technology (ECUT) is currently constructing an electron accelerator-driven photoneutron source (ECANS) for medical isotope production research.

This study aims to investigate the photonuclear reaction with ¹⁰⁰Mo isotope and utilize the generated neutrons for isotopic production.

Firstly, the photonuclear reactions of ¹⁰⁰Mo was analyzed in details. The neutron spectrum and activation yield of ⁹⁹Mo within a high purity ¹⁰⁰Mo target were investigated. Then, a new model to produce medical isotopes was established on the basis of the ECANS photonuclear source, comprising neutron energy modulation layer and neutron reflection layer. Finally, the production yields of ⁹⁹Mo, ¹⁷⁷Lu, and ⁹⁰Y in various natural oxides were calculated and the feasibility of using photonuclear sources for medical isotope production was assessed. The content of radioactive impurities in natural oxides under irradiation conditions was also analyzed.

Simulation results demonstrate that photo-nuclear reactions can effectively produce medical isotopes such as ⁹⁹Mo, ¹⁷⁷Lu, and ⁹⁰Y, with respective activities of 0.64 TBq·d^-1, 0.67 TBq·d^-1, and 2.11 TBq·d^-1. And in the high purity ¹⁰⁰Mo target, the daily output of ⁹⁹Mo reaches 2.00 TBq·d^-1.

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using the photodisintegration reaction of ¹⁰⁰Mo as a neutron source for secondary production of medical isotopes, offering the potential to enhance the economic viability of isotope production. The approach of this study provides preliminary insights for subsequent separation and purification processes, hence has certain reference value for the development of tools for radioactive isotope production.