High-Energy Proton Spallation of Iron

Abstract
The cross sections for the production of Co57, Co56, Co55, Mn54, Mn52, Cr51, Cr48, V48, Sc48, Sc47, Sc46, Sc44m, Ti44, K43, K42, Na24, and Na22, from 14.1 to 585-MeV proton spallation of iron are reported. The experimental production rates of the various radioisotopes and their ratios to Mn54 are compared to theoretical spallation-yield calculations. These data and previously published data are combined to develop the excitation functions for these isotopes from proton spallation of natural iron. Applications of these excitation functions to beam monitoring and to the studies of meteorites and lunar surface material are discussed.