Selective isotope separation of 169Er for medical applications

We have theoretically investigated the three-step laser isotope separation (LIS) of the 169 Er 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 169 Er / day, each with an activity of 7.4 GBq. The results demonstrate the potential to produce 169 Er 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 169 Er without the need for high-flux reactors.