Selective isotope separation of ¹⁶⁹Er for medical applications

We have theoretically investigated the three-step laser isotope separation (LIS) of the ¹⁶⁹Er isotope from naturally occurring erbium, irradiated in a medium-flux nuclear reactor for 20 days. The LIS process was analyzed using the density matrix formalism to examine the influence of atomic, laser, and atomic beam source parameters, aiming to optimize the performance of the separation process. This method can be employed to produce 30 to 300 doses equivalent of ¹⁶⁹Er / day, each with an activity of 7.4 GBq. The results demonstrate the potential to produce ¹⁶⁹Er with high specific activity (1.3 × 10¹⁵ Bq/g), which could enhance the targeting of cancer cells with greater efficacy. This method offers a viable alternative for producing high-specific-activity ¹⁶⁹Er without the need for high-flux reactors.