Measurement of (124)I

Area of Science:

• Nuclear physics
• Metrology
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Accurate standardization of radionuclides is crucial for various applications, including medical imaging and research.
• Establishing national standards ensures consistency and traceability in radioactivity measurements.
• Iodine-124 (124I) is a positron-emitting isotope with growing importance in diagnostic nuclear medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a primary standard for Iodine-124 (124I) at the National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH).
• To compare different radioactivity measurement techniques for 124I standardization.
• To determine the purity of the 124I source and identify potential impurities.

Main Methods:

• Absolute standardization of the 124I solution using the 4πβ(proportional counter)-γ coincidence counting method.
• Calibration of a CE NT R ONIC IG12/20A ionization chamber with the standardized 124I solution and comparison with calculated efficiency.
• Activity measurement and impurity level determination using γ-ray spectrometry.

Main Results:

• The 4πβ(PC)-γ coincidence method provided an absolute activity measurement for the 124I standard.
• The ionization chamber was calibrated, and its measured efficiency was compared to theoretical calculations.
• Gamma-ray spectrometry confirmed the purity of the 124I sample and quantified any detected impurities.
• Results from the three distinct methods were compared, demonstrating consistency and validating the standardization process.

Conclusions:

• A reliable Romanian 124I standard has been successfully established at IFIN-HH.
• The cross-comparison of measurement techniques confirms the accuracy and reliability of the established standard.
• This work contributes to the metrology infrastructure for nuclear applications in Romania.