Copper-64

Copper-64 (64Cu) is a positron emitting isotope of copper, with applications in molecular imaging and therapy in nuclear medicine. It has a half-life of 12.7 hours.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "Copper-64" is derived from the element Copper, which is a chemical element with the symbol Cu (from Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. The "64" refers to the atomic mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom of the isotope.

Production[edit | edit source]

Copper-64 is produced in a cyclotron by bombarding a Copper-63 target with a proton beam in a process called proton irradiation. The reaction that takes place is 63Cu(p,n)64Cu.

Decay[edit | edit source]

Copper-64 decays by positron emission to Nickel-64 (64Ni), with a half-life of 12.7 hours. The positron can be detected by a PET scanner, making 64Cu useful for medical imaging.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Copper-64 has two main applications in nuclear medicine: imaging and therapy.

Imaging[edit | edit source]

Copper-64 can be used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. It can be incorporated into a variety of compounds, allowing for the imaging of different biological processes.

Therapy[edit | edit source]

Copper-64 can also be used in targeted radiation therapy. It emits beta particles, which can kill cancer cells.

Related Terms[edit | edit source]

Copper-64 Resources
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