Improving the decay data of 186Ir for use as a radiopharmeceutical*

The nucleus 186Ir is a potential radio-pharmaceutical currently under study to be used in cancer treatment due to its Auger-emitting  properties.  Accurate knowledge of the decay of 186Ir will be necessary in calculations for production of the nucleus, dose estimation, and shielding for transportation and routine handling. However, the current literature  data on 186Ir decay  stems from an early 1970’s measurement which can be much improved upon with the use of advanced gamma-ray spectroscopy techniques.  For this work, 186Ir was obtained as the granddaughter of 186Au which was produced using a beam of 19F at 140MeV on a 174Yb target.  The decay was measured using the Gammasphere Array at Argonne National Laboratory.  The high statistics dataset allowed for the observation of many new levels and transitions and the determination of precise intensities.  The revised decay scheme will be presented and its impact on dose estimates discussed.